By: Dunnam H.B. No. 2498
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to admitting certain residents to nursing homes or related
institutions.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 242, Health and Safety
Code, is amended by adding Section 242.054 to read as follows:
Sec. 242.054. RESTRICTION ON ADMITTING REGISTERED SEX
OFFENDERS. (a) Before an institution admits a potential resident
to the institution, the institution shall determine whether the
person is required to register under Chapter 62, Code of Criminal
Procedure, by using the Internet website maintained by the
Department of Public Safety that contains the sex offender
database.
(b) An institution may not admit a potential resident who is
required to register as a sex offender under Chapter 62, Code of
Criminal Procedure, unless the institution meets the requirements
established by the executive commissioner of the Health and Human
Services Commission under Subsection (c).
(c) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules governing
institutions that may admit a resident who is a person required to
register as a sex offender under Chapter 62, Code of Criminal
Procedure. The rules must require an institution to provide a
separate and secure facility for those residents.
(d) The Health and Human Services Commission shall
establish an institution that meets the requirements of Subsection
(c) for the purpose of admitting residents that are required to
register as sex offenders under Chapter 62, Code of Criminal
Procedure.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.