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.