SB1139 - Relating to the operability of elevators and related equipment following a power outage at a senior independent living community; authorizing an administrative penalty.

  89R8966 LRM-D     By: Miles S.B. No. 1139       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   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.