BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 270
By: Madla
Intergovernmental Relations
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Under current law, a mass gathering is defined as a gathering that is held outside the limits of a municipality and attracts or is expected to attract more than 5,000 people who will remain in the meeting location for more than five continuous hours. There have been noted instances in which promoters schedule events and mass gatherings just under the five-hour time period. Other promoters will assure or state that less than 5,000 people are expected or allowed to be present. As a result the promoters do not have to obtain a permit or provide the minimum standards of health, sanitation, traffic control, medical care, and general safety for the public. This bill changes the definition a mass gathering by reducing from 5,000 to 2,500 the number of people which constitute a mass gathering and includes specific types of gatherings as mass gatherings.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 751.002(1), Health and Safety Code, to redefine "mass gathering."
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.