Bill > HB5452

This bill establishes a Crisis Nursery Facility Pilot Program in Bexar County, Texas, designed to provide temporary child care for families experiencing critical stress or crisis situations, such as domestic violence. The Health and Human Services Commission will create and administer the program, which involves establishing specific child-care licensing regulations and providing grants to eligible municipalities or nonprofit organizations to create crisis nursery facilities. Facilities will be required to meet strict safety standards, including background checks for employees, safe drop-off and pick-up procedures, appropriate staff-to-child ratios, and limits on children's stay (no more than 72 consecutive hours). Grant applicants must demonstrate a substantial need for emergency child care, show capacity to meet licensing requirements, and provide detailed plans for facility use, including strategies for connecting families with additional supportive services. The commission will be responsible for regularly inspecting facilities and collecting data about their operations. By October 1, 2028, the commission must submit a comprehensive report to state leadership evaluating the program's effectiveness and recommending whether to continue, expand, or terminate it. The pilot program is set to run until September 1, 2029, giving stakeholders several years to assess its impact on supporting families in crisis.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5452