PAYMENT OF HOSPITALIZATION COSTS FOR PEACE OFFICERS AND FIRE FIGHTERS

(a) In this section, "peace officer" means a peace officer as defined by Article 2A.001, Code of Criminal Procedure. (b) If a peace officer or fire fighter employed by a municipality sustains an injury in the performance of the person's duties that results in permanent incapacity for work and requires constant confinement in a hospital or other institution providing medical treatment, the municipality may pay all costs of the confinement in excess of amounts that are paid under a policy of insurance or by another governmental entity. (c) To the extent this section permits payments, the municipality is subrogated to the rights of the peace officer or fire fighter in a suit against a third party because of the injury. (d) To receive funds under this section, a peace officer or fire fighter must furnish the governing body of the municipality: (1) proof that the injury was sustained in the performance of the person's duties resulting in permanent incapacity for work and requiring constant confinement for medical treatment; (2) proof of the part of the cost of confinement not paid under a policy of insurance or by another governmental entity; and (3) any other information or evidence required by the governing body. (e) This section does not permit payment of costs of constant confinement for medical treatment incurred before August 27, 1973.