HB 577 — Automated external defibrillators at high-occupancy faci

90R3911 KRM-F By: Lalani H.B. No. 577 relating to automated external defibrillators at high-occupancy facilities and mass gatherings.

SECTION 1. Chapter 779, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Sections 779.009 and 779.010 to read as follows: Sec. 779.009. MANDATORY AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR AT HIGH-OCCUPANCY FACILITY. (a) In this section, "high-occupancy facility" means a building or facility that has an occupancy capacity of at least 100 individuals and is open to the public or regularly used for public or private gatherings. The term includes an event venue, banquet hall, gymnasium, fitness center, theater, place of assembly, and any other similar building or facility. (b) A person who owns or operates a high-occupancy facility shall ensure at least one automated external defibrillator is readily available at the facility. The person shall: (1) place the defibrillator in a conspicuous and easily accessible location; (2) post signs clearly indicating the location of the defibrillator; (3) ensure the defibrillator is available while the facility is open to the public or occupied; and (4) maintain and inspect the defibrillator in accordance with Section 779.003. (c) The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission may adopt rules necessary to implement this section. Sec. 779.010. MANDATORY AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR AT MASS GATHERINGS. (a) This section applies only to an organizer of a public or private gathering at which at least 100 individuals are reasonably expected to attend. (b) An organizer shall ensure at least one automated external defibrillator is readily available at the location at which a gathering described by Subsection (a) is held. The organizer shall: (1) place the defibrillator in a conspicuous and easily accessible area of the location; (2) ensure the defibrillator is available throughout the duration of the gathering; and (3) ensure the defibrillator has been maintained and inspected in accordance with Section 779.003. (c) This section does not require an organizer to provide an automated external defibrillator if the location at which a gathering is held provides access to a defibrillator that meets the requirements of this section. (d) The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission may adopt rules necessary to implement this section.

SECTION 2. (a) Not later than December 1, 2027, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall adopt rules necessary to implement the changes in law made by this Act. (b) Notwithstanding Sections 779.009 and 779.010, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act, a person is not required to comply with those sections until January 1, 2028.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2027.