Relating to the compensation and benefits for certain peace officers commissioned by the state fire marshal.

SB 1981 would require peace officers commissioned by the Texas State Fire Marshal to be paid according to Schedule C of the state's position classification salary schedule, as specified in the General Appropriations Act. This directly affects fire and arson investigators hired under the State Fire Marshal's authority. The bill amends existing law to explicitly include these officers in the definition of "state employee" for benefits and compensation purposes. It does not create new funding but ensures these officers receive pay aligned with state standards for similar roles. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Business & Commerce Committee.