Bill > HB3589

This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for group home facilities in Texas, requiring operators to obtain a license from the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to legally operate. The bill defines a group home facility as an establishment providing lodging for three or more unrelated residents and offering services like meal preparation, transportation, and medication assistance, but not personal care. Operators must obtain criminal history background checks for employees and are prohibited from hiring individuals with certain criminal convictions. The bill mandates that HHSC conduct inspections at least every two years, develop minimum standards to protect resident health and safety, and establish a process for issuing licenses, including a six-month provisional license for existing facilities needing time to comply with life safety code standards. The bill also provides for the suspension or revocation of licenses if operators violate regulations, and grants the commission emergency powers to close facilities that pose an immediate threat to resident health. Operators are prohibited from using the term "group home" without proper licensing, and the executive commissioner is tasked with creating rules to implement these new requirements. The legislation will take effect on September 1, 2025, and aims to ensure the safety and quality of care in group home facilities across Texas.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3589