H.B. No. 2406 introduces new regulations for group home facilities in Texas by adding Chapter 260E to the Health and Safety Code. The bill defines key terms related to group homes, such as "group home facility," "resident," and "residential care services," while outlining exemptions for certain facilities like licensed care providers and hotels. It mandates the development of model standards for group home operations, which include health and safety requirements, staff training, and medication assistance procedures. Additionally, the bill empowers counties and municipalities to establish permitting requirements for group home operations, including the authority to set fees and impose fines for noncompliance.

The legislation establishes criminal offenses for operating a group home without the required permit, classifying it as a Class B misdemeanor. It requires group homes to display their permits and relevant information for residents and visitors, and allows local authorities to conduct inspections and access records for compliance verification. The bill also mandates the reporting of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of residents, with penalties for failure to report. Furthermore, it requires counties and municipalities to submit an annual report to the commission detailing various aspects of group home operations, and mandates the commission to compile this information and report to the legislature every odd-numbered year. The provisions of this Act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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