Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.
Impact
If enacted, HB 1568 will notably impact the existing landscape of swim instruction by enforcing new operational standards and safety protocols. Operators will be required to conduct criminal background checks on potential instructors and maintain safety certifications for their staff, including CPR training. Additionally, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will be bestowed with the authority to administrate and enforce these new regulations, potentially altering how swim schools operate and setting a precedent for safety measures in child education environments.
Summary
House Bill 1568, titled the Mitchell Chang Swim Safety Act, is aimed at enhancing the safety regulations governing child swim instruction by introducing licensing requirements for swim instruction operators. The bill mandates that individuals or entities providing swim instruction to groups of three or more children under the age of seven must obtain an occupational license, which comes with specified training and safety obligations. The need for such regulations is underscored by tragic incidents involving child drownings, highlighting the critical importance of ensuring that instructors are properly trained and monitored.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 1568 appears divided among stakeholders, particularly within the swim instruction community. Proponents, including some lawmakers and child safety advocates, view the bill as a necessary step towards preventing further tragedies and enhancing the overall safety culture within swim education. Conversely, opponents, notably representatives from swim schools and instructors, argue that the proposed regulations could lead to an overly burdensome regulatory environment that may adversely impact their operations and accessibility, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to regulation.
Contention
Notable points of contention primarily stem from the perspectives of swim instruction operators who express concerns about the proposed regulatory framework. Critics of the bill, including members of organizations like the Texas Pool and Spa Coalition, argue that while the intention behind the bill is commendable, its execution could hinder swim instruction lessons by imposing excessive administrative requirements and penalties. They advocate for regulatory approaches that maintain high safety standards without compromising the operational flexibility necessary for effective swim instruction.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Health And Safety Code
Chapter 769. Regulation Of Certain Group Homes
Section: New Section
Occupations Code
Chapter 51. Texas Department Of Licensing And Regulation
Identical
Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing an administrative penalty; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of certain occupations and activities; providing administrative penalties; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing fees; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming in this state and the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing a tax; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses; making an appropriation.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of naturopathic physicians; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees; providing penalties; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of certain occupations, activities, and agreements; providing a civil penalty; authorizing fees; requiring an occupational registration and an occupational license.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing an administrative penalty; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.