SB 1139

relating to the operability of elevators and related equipment
following a power outage at a senior independent living community;
authorizing an administrative penalty.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 754, Health and Safety Code, is amended
by adding Section 754.0142 to read as follows:
Sec. 754.0142.  EQUIPMENT OPERABILITY FOLLOWING POWER
OUTAGE AT SENIOR INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY.  (a)  In this
section, "senior independent living community" means a multifamily
residential facility occupied by or intended for occupancy by
residents who are 55 years of age or older.
(b)  A senior independent living community that operates
equipment subject to this chapter shall contract with an outside
vendor to maintain the equipment's operability within 72 hours of
the time a power outage begins.
(c)  The department shall assess an administrative penalty
in accordance with Subchapter F, Chapter 51, Occupations Code,
against a senior independent living community found in violation of
this section. Notwithstanding Section 51.302, Occupations Code,
the amount of the administrative penalty imposed under this section
(1)  $1,000 per day for the first five days of
(2)  $5,000 per day for each day of noncompliance after
the initial five days of noncompliance.
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.