By: Miles, Zaffirini S.B. No. 503
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to creating the criminal offense of failing to report
abuse, neglect, or exploitation in boarding home facilities by
certain persons.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 260, Health and Safety Code, is amended
by adding Section 260.0091 to read as follows:
Sec. 260.0091. REQUIRED REPORTING OF ABUSE, NEGLECT, OR
EXPLOITATION BY A LESSOR; CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) A person commits
an offense if the person:
(1) leases to another a building owned by the person
that is being operated as a boarding home facility;
(2) has actual knowledge that a resident of the
boarding home facility is being or has been abused, neglected, or
exploited; and
(3) fails to report the abuse, neglect, or
exploitation to the Department of Family and Protective Services
for investigation by that agency.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.