When a covered peace officer dies, the next of kin may request a state flag, and the governor’s office must send a condolence-and-gratitude certificate if notified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
Sec. 615.105. PROVISION OF STATE FLAG. (a) This section applies only to: (1) an individual elected, appointed, or employed as a peace officer by the state or a political subdivision of the state under Article 2A.001, Code of Criminal Procedure, or other law; or (2) an honorably retired peace officer who formerly held a position described by Subdivision (1) and voluntarily terminated employment with a law enforcement agency of this state or a political subdivision of this state. (b) On the death of an individual listed in Subsection (a), regardless of whether the individual died as a result of a personal injury sustained in the line of duty as a peace officer, the individual's next of kin may receive on request a state flag from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. (c) If the office of the governor is notified of the death of an individual listed in Subsection (a) by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement under Section 1701.161, Occupations Code, the office of the governor shall send to the individual's next of kin a certificate that expresses condolences and gratitude on behalf of the governor and the people of Texas for the individual's service as a Texas peace officer. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 476, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 842, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 744 (H.B. 2769), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 93 (S.B. 686), Sec. 2.32, eff. May 18, 2013. Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 765 (H.B. 4504), Sec. 2.112, eff. January 1, 2025. SUBCHAPTER F. ADDITIONAL BENEFITS FOR SURVIVOR OF PEACE OFFICER