The bill, titled the "Mitchell Chang Swim Safety Act," establishes a regulatory framework for child swim instruction operators in Texas. It introduces Chapter 761 to the Health and Safety Code, which mandates that individuals or entities providing swim instruction to groups of three or more students must obtain an occupational license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The bill outlines definitions relevant to the chapter, including terms such as "operator," "instructor," and "serious incident." It also specifies exemptions for certain entities, such as licensed youth camps and child-care facilities, from the licensing requirements.
Additionally, the bill sets forth the powers and duties of the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, including the establishment of operational standards, safety requirements, and the imposition of administrative penalties for violations. It requires criminal history checks for applicants and their controlling persons, as well as for employees who will interact with students. The commission is tasked with adopting rules to implement the chapter by March 1, 2025, while the licensing requirement will not take effect until September 1, 2026. The bill aims to enhance safety standards in swim instruction for children under seven years of age.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()