Texas Senate Bill SB436

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 1/28/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 2/22/11
• Voted on by Senate: 3/17/11
• Refer: 2/2/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/12/11
• Report Pass: 2/22/11
• Voted on by House: 5/20/11
• Engrossed: 3/17/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/28/11
• Report Pass: 5/12/11
• Enrolled: 5/21/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the authority of a county to inspect day-care centers and group day-care homes.

Impact

The enactment of SB436 would likely lead to enhanced inspection frameworks for day-care facilities, where county health officers would be enabled to contract with municipalities for the execution of inspections. This could ensure a more uniform standard of care and safety across day-care centers in larger counties, potentially improving the quality of care received by children. Additionally, the bill might promote better resource allocation for inspections amidst the growing demands for oversight of child care services in urban areas.

Summary

SB436 is a legislative bill aimed at empowering counties in Texas with the authority to inspect day-care centers and group day-care homes located within municipalities. The bill specifically applies to counties with populations of 700,000 or more. By granting this authority, the bill intends to streamline the inspection process, potentially improving the oversight of child care facilities and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards outlined in existing human resources codes. This measure reflects broader concerns about the welfare of children in day-care settings and the importance of regulatory oversight.

Contention

While support for SB436 may stem from a desire to safeguard child welfare and ensure consistent enforcement of health regulations across county lines, there may also be concerns regarding local control and the potential burden on county health departments. Critics might argue that such centralization could lead to inefficiencies or reduce accountability within municipalities, where local entities are typically better positioned to understand the unique needs of their communities. The balance between state oversight and local governance will likely feature prominently in discussions surrounding the bill.