Bill > SB995

This bill, known as the Masuma Khan Justice Act, authorizes the State Department of Public Health to conduct health and safety inspections of "involuntary residential facilities," which are defined as facilities housing over 50 individuals overnight, restricting their ability to leave, and providing onsite services like food, medical care, or supervision. These inspections are specifically for ensuring sanitary, hygienic, and safe conditions, using standards similar to those for licensed residential health facilities, and can be conducted without prior notice under certain circumstances. The bill requires facility operators to grant access, maintain compliance records, and correct any identified violations, with penalties for non-compliance, including administrative fines and potential referral to the Attorney General for civil action. The Department of Public Health will develop measurable health and safety standards for these facilities, consulting with various stakeholders, and will implement these provisions to avoid duplicating existing oversight. The bill also declares its urgency, meaning it will take effect immediately upon becoming law, to address potential immediate risks to residents and communities.