79R4103 YDB-D
By: Janek S.B. No. 990
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a training and examination program on sexual abuse and
child molestation for certain persons who work at youth camps.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 141, Health and Safety Code, is amended
by adding Section 141.0095 to read as follows:
Sec. 141.0095. TRAINING AND EXAMINATION PROGRAM. (a) A
person holding a license issued under this chapter may not employ or
accept 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 within the preceding two years successfully completed
the training and examination program required by this section.
(b) A person holding a license issued under this chapter
must 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) A person applying for or holding an employee or
volunteer position involving contact with campers at a youth camp
must successfully complete a training and examination program on
sexual abuse and child molestation administered by the Department
of Family and Protective Services during the period described by
Subsection (a).
(d) The Department of Family and Protective Services shall
develop and administer an Internet web-based training and
examination program on sexual abuse and child molestation. The
program must include not less than 30 minutes of training, and an
examination, on each of the following:
(1) the definitions and effects of sexual abuse and
child molestation;
(2) the typical patterns of behavior and methods of
operation of child molesters and sex offenders that put children at
risk;
(3) 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
(4) the recommended rules and procedures for youth
camps to implement to address, reduce, prevent, and report
suspected sexual abuse or child molestation.
(e) The Department of Family and Protective Services may
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 child molestation. A youth camp may reimburse an employee or
volunteer for the cost of the training and examination program.
SECTION 2. (a) The Department of Family and Protective
Services shall 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) Notwithstanding Section 141.0095, Health and Safety
Code, as added by this Act, a youth camp or an individual employed
by or volunteering at a youth camp is not required to comply with
Section 141.0095 before June 1, 2006.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.