Texas House Bill HB2930

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the enforcement activities of the Health and Human Services Commission against certain child-care facilities; authorizing administrative penalties.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2930 would represent a significant shift in how child-care facilities are monitored and held accountable in Texas. By allowing administrative penalties to be imposed without first needing to issue nonmonetary sanctions, the bill facilitates faster and more effective enforcement against operators who fail to adhere to established standards. This could potentially improve compliance and safety measures in child care settings, particularly regarding high-risk standards such as background checks and supervision protocols.

Summary

House Bill 2930 relates to the enforcement activities of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) against child-care facilities. The bill aims to enhance regulatory oversight by granting the HHSC the authority to impose administrative penalties on child-care providers that violate state regulations or other laws applicable to these facilities. This includes provisions for suspending or revoking licenses in cases of repeated noncompliance with standards that do not jeopardize the health and safety of children, thereby allowing for more nuanced enforcement actions.

Contention

The introduction of HB 2930 may spark debate regarding the balance of regulatory authority and the operational flexibility of child-care facilities. Proponents argue that stricter enforcement is necessary to protect children and ensure all providers meet minimum safety and quality standards. However, opponents may contend that such measures could lead to overly punitive actions against facilities struggling to comply, particularly those in economically disadvantaged areas. There may also be concerns about the fairness and consistency of penalty applications across different types of facilities.