Relating to emergency response protocols and safety and security audits developed by the Texas School Safety Center and Health and Human Services Commission for day-care centers.
Impact
If enacted, this bill will have a significant impact on existing state regulations concerning day-care centers. It mandates that all centers comply with the newly developed safety and emergency response protocols. Furthermore, it requires day-care centers to conduct regular safety audits, which must be reported to the Texas School Safety Center. This initiative aims to not only enhance the safety of children but also provide a structured approach to emergency situations that day-care centers may encounter.
Summary
House Bill 5223 aims to establish standardized emergency response protocols and safety and security audits for day-care centers in Texas. This bill directs the Texas School Safety Center to collaborate with the Health and Human Services Commission to research best practices regarding emergency preparedness for day-care facilities and create guidelines for safety audits. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining high safety standards within these centers to ensure adequate preparedness for potential emergencies.
Contention
The bill's provisions may lead to discussions regarding the adequacy of state guidelines versus the specific needs of individual day-care centers. Some stakeholders may argue that a one-size-fits-all approach could overlook unique challenges that different facilities face. Additionally, there might be concerns over funding and resources available to day-care centers to comply with these new regulations, which could lead to disparities in how centers are able to implement the required audits and training.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Education Code
Chapter 37. Discipline; Law And Order
Section: New Section
Human Resources Code
Chapter 42. Regulation Of Certain Facilities, Homes, And Agencies That Provide Child-care Services
Relating to emergency response protocols and safety and security audits developed by the Texas School Safety Center and Health and Human Services Commission for day-care centers.
Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the development and implementation of purchases relating to and funding for public school safety and security requirements and the provision of safety-related resources.
Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.
Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.