H.B. No. 5456 aims to enhance resident safety from criminal activity in senior retirement communities by establishing a new chapter in the Health and Safety Code. The bill introduces definitions for key terms such as "common amenity," "resident," and "senior retirement community," and outlines the requirements for these communities to ensure safety. Specifically, it mandates that senior retirement communities conduct criminal history checks for employees, disclose safety policies in resident contracts, and maintain a communication policy regarding criminal activity. The bill also stipulates that communities must inform residents of known criminal incidents and trespassing within two business days.

Additionally, the bill provides exemptions for certain facilities, such as health care institutions and boarding homes, and protects senior retirement communities from civil or criminal liability for compliance with the new safety measures. It prohibits communities from penalizing residents for communicating with law enforcement about safety concerns and ensures that law enforcement can access common areas for investigations. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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