By: Miles, West S.B. No. 189
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of a criminal offense concerning the
failure of certain persons to report abuse, neglect, or
exploitation in boarding home facilities.
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 REPORT BY LESSOR OF ABUSE, NEGLECT,
OR EXPLOITATION; CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) A person commits an offense
if the person:
(1) owns a building that the person leases to another
person who operates a boarding home facility in the building;
(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, 2023.