BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 990
79R4103 YDB-D By: Janek
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently there is no statewide training or examination program about sexual predators and sexual abuse for employees of and volunteers at camps that work with children. As proposed, S.B. 990 mandates all camp employees and volunteers who have contact with children that work in camps to submit documentation stating that they have completed a web-based training and evaluation program on sexual abuse and child molestation administered by the Department of Family and Protective Services. The program must include no less than 30 minutes of training, and examination, on each of the following: the definition and effects of sexual abuse and child molestation; the typical behavior and methods of operation of child molesters and child molesters and sex offenders that put children at risk; the warning signs and symptoms associated with sexual abuse or child molestation, recognition of the signs and symptoms, and the recommended methods of intervening and reporting suspected abuse; and the recommended rules and procedures for youth camps to implement to address, reduce, prevent, and report suspected sexual abuse and child molestation. The fee for the test would not exceed $10 and the summer camps may reimburse the employees and volunteers for the cost of the test.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 141, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 141.0095, as follows:
Sec. 141.0095. TRAINING AND EXAMINATION PROGRAM. (a) Prohibits a person holding a license under this chapter (Youth Camps) from employing or accepting the volunteer service of an individual for a position involving contact with campers at a youth camp unless the individual submits to the person documentation that verifies the individual successfully completed the training and examination program required by this section within the preceding two years.
(b) Requires a person holding a license issued under this chapter to retain in the person's records the documentation required under Subsection (a) for each employee or volunteer until the second anniversary of the examination date.
(c) Requires a person applying for or holding an employee or volunteer position involving contact with campers at a youth camp to successfully complete a training and examination program on sexual abuse and child molestation administered by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) during the period described by Subsection (a).
(d) Requires DFPS to develop and administer an Internet web-based training and examination program on sexual abuse and child molestation. Requires the program to include not less than 30 minutes of training, and an examination, on certain topics.
(e) Authorizes DFPS to assess a fee in the amount necessary to cover the costs of administering this section, not to exceed $10, to each individual who enrolls in the training and examination program on sexual abuse and molestation. Authorizes a youth camp to reimburse an employee or volunteer for the cost of the training and examination program.
SECTION 2. (a) Requires DFPS to develop the training and examination program required under Section 141.0095, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act, not later than February 1, 2006.
(b) Makes application of this Act prospective to June 1, 2006.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2005.