By: Kolkhorst, Springer S.J.R. No. 19

(In the Senate - Filed December 21, 2020; March 3, 2021, read first time and referred to Committee on Health & Human Services; March 15, 2021, reported adversely, with favorable Committee Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 9, Nays 0; March 15, 2021, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.J.R. No. 19 By: Seliger

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

proposing a constitutional amendment establishing a right for certain residents receiving care in residential settings to designate an essential caregiver for in-person visitation.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Article I, Texas Constitution, is amended by adding Section 35 to read as follows:

Sec. 35. (a) A resident of a nursing facility, assisted living facility, intermediate care facility for individuals with an intellectual disability, residence providing home and community-based services, or state supported living center, as those terms are defined by general law, has the right to designate an essential caregiver with whom the facility, residence, or center may not prohibit in-person visitation.

(b) The legislature by general law may provide for guidelines for a facility, residence, or center described by Subsection (a) of this section to follow in establishing essential caregiver visitation policies and procedures.

SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 2, 2021. The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the proposition: "The constitutional amendment establishing a right for certain residents receiving care in residential settings to designate an essential caregiver for in-person visitation."

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