TITLE: Relating to the operability of elevators and related equipment following a power outage at a senior independent living community; authorizing an administrative penalty.

SUMMARY: Relating to the operability of elevators and related equipment following a power outage at a senior independent living community; authorizing an administrative penalty.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the operability of elevators and related equipment following a power outage at a senior independent living community; authorizing an administrative penalty. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 754, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Section 754.0142 to read as follows: Sec. 754.0142. EQUIPMENT OPERABILITY FOLLOWING POWER OUTAGE AT SENIOR INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY. (a) In this section, "senior independent living community" means a multifamily residential facility occupied by or intended for occupancy by residents who are 55 years of age or older. (b) A senior independent living community that operates equipment subject to this chapter shall contract with an outside vendor to maintain the equipment's operability within 72 hours of the time a power outage begins. (c) The department shall assess an administrative penalty in accordance with Subchapter F, Chapter 51, Occupations Code, against a senior independent living community found in violation of this section. Notwithstanding Section 51.302, Occupations Code, the amount of the administrative penalty imposed under this section may not exceed: (1) $1,000 per day for the first five days of noncompliance; and (2) $5,000 per day for each day of noncompliance after the initial five days of noncompliance. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.