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 swim instruction operators obtain an occupational license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The bill outlines definitions for key terms such as "operator," "instructor," and "serious incident," and specifies that the chapter applies to operators providing swim instruction to groups of three or more students. It also exempts certain entities, such as licensed youth camps and child-care facilities, from these regulations.

Additionally, the bill sets forth requirements for licensing, including the submission of applications, fees, and criminal history checks for applicants and controlling persons. It mandates minimum safety standards, instructor training, and certification requirements, as well as the reporting of serious incidents involving students. The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation is tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement these provisions, with a deadline for rule adoption set for March 1, 2025, and a grace period for operators to obtain licenses until September 1, 2026. Violations of the chapter may result in administrative penalties, with fines not exceeding $500 per day for each violation.

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