The bill, S.B. No. 1310, introduces a new chapter, Chapter 786, to the Health and Safety Code, specifically addressing senior independent living communities. It defines key terms such as "senior independent living community," "chronic condition residential customer," and "common amenity," among others. The bill mandates that these communities prepare and maintain a written emergency response plan, which must be updated annually and include provisions for communication during disasters, on-site employee presence, and the provision of essential supplies. Additionally, the bill outlines that lease agreements must include a copy of the emergency response plan and prohibits any provisions that control a resident's advance directive or testamentary documents.

Furthermore, the bill establishes civil penalties for violations, allowing the state to impose fines of up to $500 for each infraction, with each day of continued violation counting as a separate offense. It also ensures that senior independent living communities cannot prevent residents from communicating about their health and safety or inhibit law enforcement from conducting investigations. Notably, compliance with the emergency response plan requirements is deferred until January 1, 2026, and the provisions regarding agreements or contracts apply only to those entered into or renewed after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()