The bill, S.B. No. 437, amends the Health and Safety Code to update the civil and administrative penalties for violations related to chemical dependency treatment facilities. It establishes that a person or facility can face a civil penalty of up to $25,000 for each day of violation, with the court considering various factors when determining the penalty amount. Notably, the bill adds new considerations for the court, including the ability of the person or facility to pay the penalty and their capacity to continue providing services if their license is not revoked due to the violation.

Additionally, the bill modifies the criteria for assessing penalties by including the person's ability to pay and the degree of culpability in causing the violation. It also mandates that the commission post current administrative penalty schedules on its website, ensuring these schedules reflect the economic impact of penalties on regulated individuals or entities. The changes will only apply to violations occurring on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, while previous violations will be governed by the law in effect at the time of the violation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 464.017, Health and Safety Code 464.019 (Health and Safety Code 464)