Bill > HB2406

This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for group home facilities in Texas, allowing counties and municipalities to create optional permitting systems for these residential care establishments. The bill defines a group home facility as a residence with three or more unrelated persons that provides residential care services for compensation, and creates model standards for facility operations covering areas such as construction, sanitation, safety, medication assistance, personnel background checks, and resident assessments. Counties and municipalities can choose to require permits for these facilities, set reasonable fees, conduct inspections, and establish local regulations based on the state's model standards. The bill includes criminal penalties for operating a group home facility without a required permit, with violations classified as a Class B misdemeanor. Additionally, the legislation mandates that facility owners report any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of residents to the Department of Family and Protective Services, and requires facility owners to display important information such as permits, complaint procedures, and local health service contacts. Facilities must also require employees to acknowledge their legal responsibility to report potential resident abuse, and local governments must submit annual reports to the state detailing their permitting and inspection activities. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving local governments time to develop their implementation strategies.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2406