Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.
Impact
This legislation will introduce a framework for the licensing of swim instruction operators, which currently does not exist in Texas law. By establishing an administrative body to oversee compliance and set safety standards, this act seeks to enhance the operational requirements for swim instruction. It will impose penalties for operators who fail to comply with the law, potentially including administrative penalties of up to $500 per day for violations. The requirement for criminal background checks on all instructors further strengthens child safety measures in swim instruction settings.
Summary
SB63, also known as the Mitchell Chang Swim Safety Act, proposes the licensing and regulation of operators providing swim instruction to children under the age of seven. The bill mandates that swim instruction operators acquire an occupational license, which is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of young students during swim lessons. The legislation aims to address the increasing concerns surrounding swim safety, particularly among young children, by instituting standards that operators must meet to lawfully provide swim instruction services.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support for its focus on child safety, there are concerns regarding the implications of such a regulatory framework for smaller swim instruction providers who may struggle with compliance costs. Critics argue that the new requirements could inadvertently restrict access to swim instruction for some families, particularly those in lower-income brackets. Additionally, the exemptions listed in the bill for youth camps and child-care facilities raise questions about the uniformity of the standards applied across different types of swim instruction venues.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Occupations Code
Chapter 51. Texas Department Of Licensing And Regulation
Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of anesthesiologist assistants; requiring an occupational license; providing an administrative penalty; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of lactation consultants and the creation of the Lactation Consultant Advisory Board; requiring an occupational license; imposing fees; providing penalties; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the regulation and voluntary licensing of reroofing contractors by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; providing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing an administrative penalty; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.