Texas House Bill HB3357

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim schools; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.

Impact

The introduction of HB3357 is significant as it sets up mandatory licensing protocols for swim schools. It requires operators and their employees to possess specific certifications related to water safety and CPR, and mandates annual inspections of facilities. The bill aims to bolster child safety by ensuring that minimum safety standards are met, and that every facility can adequately respond to emergencies. This legislation reflects a growing recognition of the importance of child safety in recreational water activities and seeks to standardize practices across the state.

Summary

House Bill 3357, titled the Mitchell Chang Swim School Safety Act, aims to regulate child swim schools in Texas, particularly those offering swim lessons to children six years of age and younger. The bill establishes a framework for the licensing and regulation of these swim schools by the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The intent behind the legislation is to ensure a uniform standard of safety and care is upheld in facilities catering to young children learning to swim. It outlines clear requirements for operators and employees regarding training, certification, and the necessary compliance measures that must be adhered to according to state laws.

Contention

While the bill has broad support for its focus on child safety, there are potential points of contention regarding the penalties imposed for non-compliance with the licensing requirements. The bill allows for administrative penalties against those who violate its provisions, which could lead to disputes about the appropriateness or severity of these penalties. Additionally, the requirement for a license could burden small swim schools or newly established facilities, raising concerns about the accessibility and cost implications of this new regulatory framework. These factors could lead to discussions about balancing regulation intended for safety with the operational flexibility desired by swim school operators.