Two reform bills prompted by WFAA’s investigation into dangerous, unlicensed boarding homes received legislative hearings Tuesday as time runs out in the session.
DALLAS — Two key bills prompted by WFAA’s investigation into unsafe and unregulated boarding homes received critical hearings today at the Texas Capitol.
House Bill 2510, sponsored by Rep. Chris Turner, D-Arlington, would make it a criminal offense to operate an unlicensed assisted living facility. After passing the House, the bill was presented in the Senate by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, who emphasized its aim to protect some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.
Meanwhile, Senate Bill 1137—authored by Sen. Borris Miles of Houston—was heard in a House committee, with State Rep. Toni Rose presenting the bill. This legislation would, for the first time, regulate senior housing consultants and create criminal penalties for those who violate the law.
These legislative efforts follow a WFAA investigation that uncovered dangerous conditions in adult care homes operating outside state oversight, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory reforms.
With the legislative session nearing its end, both bills must pass the opposite chamber to reach the governor’s desk. If signed into law, they would provide long-overdue protections for vulnerable Texans.