HBA-BSM, CCH H.B. 3556 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3556
By: Maxey
Human Services
3/25/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) issues different
classes of licenses to facilities that administer mental health programs.
One of which applies to programs offering minimal assisted living services
and can only be obtained by programs offering services in buildings that do
not have more than one story.  The one-story provision risks forcing some
two-story facilities to close and could pressure future facilities to
locate in less convenient suburban areas where property values are more
affordable.  House Bill 3556 provides that the minimum standards for an
assisted living facility must provide for a two-story building. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 3556 amends the Health and Safety Code to set forth that the
Texas Board of Human Services must modify accessibility and life safety
code standards to provide for two story buildings.  The bill also provides
that two story buildings must meet all life safety code requirements in
regards to protecting vertical openings, as specified in the 1998 edition
of the National Fire Protection Association. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.