By: Kolkhorst, et al. S.J.R. No. 19
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION
proposing a constitutional amendment establishing a right for
certain residents receiving care in residential settings to
designate an essential caregiver for in-person visitation.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Article I, Texas Constitution, is amended by
adding Section 35 to read as follows:
Sec. 35. (a) A resident of a nursing facility, assisted
living facility, intermediate care facility for individuals with an
intellectual disability, residence providing home and
community-based services, or state supported living center, as
those terms are defined by general law, has the right to designate
an essential caregiver with whom the facility, residence, or center
may not prohibit in-person visitation.
(b) The legislature by general law may provide for
guidelines for a facility, residence, or center described by
Subsection (a) of this section to follow in establishing essential
caregiver visitation policies and procedures.
SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 2, 2021.
The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the
proposition: "The constitutional amendment establishing a right
for certain residents receiving care in residential settings to
designate an essential caregiver for in-person visitation."