The bill, H.B. No. 3153, introduces new employment requirements aimed at preventing physical and sexual abuse of children in certain facilities, including residential treatment facilities, juvenile detention centers, and shelters for the homeless. It establishes Chapter 811 in the Health and Safety Code, which mandates that governmental entities, such as the Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, ensure that facilities they regulate conduct thorough criminal history checks and employment verifications for individuals who may have direct contact with children. This includes applicants for employment, volunteers, and independent contractors. The bill also requires facilities to obtain electronic updates on arrests and convictions for these individuals and outlines specific training requirements related to recognizing and reporting abuse.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that facilities must not hire or must terminate individuals who have a history of engaging in child abuse or who were previously terminated due to such allegations. It prohibits separation agreements from including clauses that prevent the disclosure of such allegations to prospective employers. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and apply to agreements made after this date.

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