(a) In this section, the term “firefighter” includes an individual who performs fire suppression duties for a governmental entity or volunteer fire department.
(b) If a firefighter dies in the line of duty or if the firefighter’s death occurs in connection with an on-duty incident in this state, the state fire marshal shall investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the firefighter, including any factors that may have contributed to the death of the firefighter.

Terms Used In Texas Government Code 417.0075

  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Year: means 12 consecutive months. See Texas Government Code 311.005

(c) In conducting an investigation under this section, the state fire marshal has the same powers as those granted to the state fire marshal under § 417.007. The state fire marshal shall coordinate the investigative efforts of local government officials and may enlist established fire service organizations and private entities to assist in the investigation.
(d) The state fire marshal shall release a report concerning an investigation conducted under this section on completion of the investigation.
(e) Not later than October 31 of each year, the state fire marshal shall deliver to the commissioner a detailed report about the findings of each investigation conducted under this section in the preceding year.
(f) Information gathered in an investigation conducted under this section is subject to § 552.108.
(g) The authority granted to the state fire marshal under this section shall not limit in any way the authority of the county or municipal fire marshal to conduct the county or municipal fire marshal’s own investigation into the death of a firefighter within the county or municipal fire marshal’s jurisdiction.