Bill

SB 504

87(R) - 2021
Senate Local Government
House County Affairs
Senate Local Government
House County Affairs
County Government
Nursing home
Police
Firefighters
Health

Contact the Author

Borris Miles

Phone:

512-463-0113

Capitol Office:

CAP 3E.12

Email:

Vote Recommendation

No
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Negative

Author(s)

Borris Miles

Bill Caption

Relating to authority of a county fire marshal to inspect group homes and assisted living facilities; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 504 would allow a county fire marshal to inspect group homes.

Upon a complaint of any person, SB 504 would allow a county fire marshal to enter into a group home or assisted living facility or the premises of a building at any reasonable time to conduct an inspection.

Additionally, the fire marshal would be required to order the removal of a building or structure in which a group home or assisted living facility is located if it is found that the building or structure is dilapidated or susceptible to fire and is found that a fire would endanger persons or property in the building.

A person against whom an order pertains would have to immediately comply with the order to remediate the concerns. The local commissioner's court would be able to prescribe a reasonable fee for an inspection performed by the county fire marshal. Refusal to comply with an order of the county fire marshal would be a Class B misdemeanor.

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 504 presents a violation of property rights and expands government intervention in a private business beyond what is appropriate of a governmental agency by allowing a county fire marshal to enter a group home or assisted living facility to conduct an inspection whenever someone makes a complaint. This presents an enormous expanse of government overreach. Texas Action opposes SB 504.            

Contact the Author

Borris Miles

Phone:

512-463-0113

Capitol Office:

CAP 3E.12

Email: