Texas Senate Bill SB898

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to applicants for employment at assisted living facilities.

Impact

The enactment of SB898 is expected to enhance the safety and security of residents in assisted living facilities by ensuring that staff members have been properly vetted. The bill necessitates that if an applicant has resided in another state within the past five years, the facility must check criminal histories in all states where the applicant previously lived. This requirement aims to prevent individuals with potentially harmful criminal backgrounds from being employed in settings that provide care to the elderly or those requiring assistance.

Summary

Senate Bill 898 is legislation aimed at tightening the employment process for applicants seeking positions at assisted living facilities in Texas. The bill introduces a mandate for facilities to conduct comprehensive criminal history checks on applicants. Specifically, applicants must provide a written statement indicating whether they have been convicted of offenses outlined in Section 250.006 of the Texas Health and Safety Code. This section addresses various crimes that could be deemed harmful for individuals working in environments that care for vulnerable populations.

Contention

While proponents of SB898 argue that these measures are essential for safeguarding the health and welfare of residents, there may be concerns about the administrative burden this places on assisted living facilities, particularly smaller ones with limited resources. Furthermore, there could be discussions regarding potential challenges related to privacy and the fairness of background checks, especially if applicants have past offenses that are not indicative of their current character or ability to perform their job duties responsibly. Overall, the bill reflects a growing emphasis on the safeguards necessary in caregiving environments.