Relating to the employment of certain peace officers, detention officers, county jailers, or firefighters who are injured in the course and scope of duty.

HB 1654 protects certain public safety workers who are injured on the job by preventing employers from firing them before they reach maximum medical improvement. It specifically applies to peace officers, detention officers, county jailers, and firefighters with compensable work injuries, barring termination unless a doctor certifies they permanently cannot perform their specific duties. Employers violating this restriction face liability for up to $100,000 in damages. The bill does not apply to municipalities under Chapter 143 of the Local Government Code or counties with established civil service systems.