The bill would amend the Occupations Code to create a new chapter for the regulation of youth sports programs by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).The bill would require TDLR to establish a Youth Sports Program Advisory Board, establish and operate a toll-free telephone number for reporting complaints, evaluate safety protocols, establish a new license type for the operation of youth sports programs, and to take disciplinary action against violations. This bill would apply to any organized competitive sports program that provides instruction for an Olympic or University Interscholastic League sponsored or sanctioned event, not associated with a school, which instructs children who are enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. The bill would take effect September 1, 2024.
Based on the analysis of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the significantly high volume of programs that would be included in the bill creates difficulties in developing an expected licensee population. This estimate assumes that to implement the provisions of the bill, TDLR would require additional staffing in their legal, licensing, customer service, enforcement, and training departments. Additionally, costs relating to the toll-free telephone number cannot be determined, but it is assumed that the telephone line will see a high volume of jurisdictional and non-jurisdictional complaints.
Based on the analysis by the Comptroller of Public Accounts, it is assumed that TDLR would set fees to offset the costs of administering the chapter as the agency is statutorily required to generate sufficient revenue to cover the costs of its operation; however, the amount of those fees cannot be determined.
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.