85R3654 SCL-D
By: Craddick H.B. No. 492
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a waiver for certain programs from youth camp
licensing.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 141, Health and Safety Code, is amended
by adding Section 141.0025 to read as follows:
Sec. 141.0025. WAIVER; APPEAL. (a) The department may
grant a waiver from the requirements of this chapter to a program
that:
(1) is sponsored by a religious organization as
defined by Section 464.051;
(2) has been in operation for at least 30 years;
(3) operates one camp for not more than seven days in
any year;
(4) ensures that background checks are conducted on
all adults participating in the program; and
(5) conducts all camp activities in accordance with
guidelines published by a national organization specializing in the
operation of youth camps.
(b) A waiver granted by the department under Subsection (a)
is valid until the waiver is revoked for cause by the department.
(c) A person who operates a program for which an application
for a waiver under this section has been denied or for which a
waiver under this section has been revoked may appeal the action in
the manner provided for appeal of contested cases under Chapter
2001, Government Code.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human
Services Commission shall adopt rules necessary to implement
Section 141.0025, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.