HB 119 would require senior retirement communities in Texas to adopt and implement emergency preparedness and contingency operations plans specifically for power outages and other emergencies. The bill defines an “area of refuge” as a climate-controlled space in the community that can shelter residents without evacuation, and it requires that such areas provide at least 15 square feet per resident and maintain temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Communities would also have to notify the local fire marshal if electric service is interrupted or lost for more than 12 hours.
The bill further requires each senior retirement community to request and submit to an annual inspection by the appropriate local fire marshal. That inspection would review emergency power components, verify that backup power systems and related equipment are operational, document deficiencies, and require corrective action follow-up as needed. Local governments and emergency services districts would be authorized to impose penalties or other enforcement actions for violations in the same manner as fire code violations. The bill also amends the Utilities Code to clarify that the state backup power package program is intended to support facilities relied on for health, safety, and well-being, including senior retirement communities.
Impact
HB 119 would add a new regulatory framework in Chapter 786 of the Health and Safety Code for senior retirement communities, creating specific emergency planning, sheltering, notification, and inspection requirements tied to power outages. It would also expand the stated purpose of the Texas backup power package program in the Utilities Code to include senior retirement communities, potentially affecting how those facilities are considered in state backup power funding and planning. The bill would directly affect operators of senior retirement communities, local fire marshals, municipalities, counties, and emergency services districts by giving them new compliance and enforcement responsibilities.
Sentiment
The available bill text suggests a generally supportive public-safety rationale, focused on protecting older residents during outages and emergencies. No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, amendments, or formal opposition in the supplied materials. Based on the bill’s structure, the measure appears aimed at strengthening preparedness and oversight rather than changing broader policy in a controversial way.
Contention
The main likely points of contention are the operational and cost burdens placed on senior retirement communities, including maintaining climate-controlled refuge areas, ensuring backup power readiness, and undergoing annual fire marshal inspections. Operators may also be concerned about the enforcement authority granted to local governments and emergency services districts, especially because violations are treated like fire code violations. On the other hand, supporters would likely emphasize resident safety, especially for elderly populations vulnerable to heat, cold, and prolonged outages.
Relating to an emergency preparedness and contingency operations plan, including temperature regulation, for assisted living facility residents during an emergency; providing penalties.
Relating to an emergency preparedness and contingency operations plan, including temperature regulation, for nursing facility and assisted living facility residents during an emergency; providing penalties.
Relating to emergency preparedness of assisted living facilities and the health and safety of residents of those facilities; providing civil and administrative penalties.