Relating to the authority of a political subdivision to regulate a licensed, registered, or listed group day-care home or family home.

Contracts

• Lease Agreements: Review commercial and residential leases immediately. While the law preempts government enforcement, it does not void private contract terms. If your lease explicitly mandates a safety feature (e.g., specific fencing or sprinkler systems) that was previously required by city code, you remain contractually obligated to the landlord to maintain it.
• HOA Covenants: This law applies to "political subdivisions." It does not void Homeowners Association (HOA) deed restrictions. You must continue to comply with HOA covenants regarding property appearance and safety.

Hiring/Training

• Inspector Management: Train facility directors and on-site staff on "Escalation Protocols." If a local code enforcement officer or fire marshal attempts to issue a citation for a standard that exceeds state law, staff must respectfully decline to sign admission of guilt and contact legal counsel immediately.
• Maintenance Staff: Instruct maintenance teams to default to Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Minimum Standards for all repairs and upgrades, disregarding conflicting local code requirements.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

• Documentation Consolidation: Cease maintaining duplicate safety logs previously required by local ordinances (e.g., specific local fire drill frequencies that differ from state mandates). Maintain only the HHSC-mandated records.
• Defense File: Create a "SB 599 Compliance File" containing a cross-reference of State vs. Local standards to present to local officials challenging your compliance status.

Fees & Costs

• Fee Reduction: Identify local permit fees tied specifically to "health and safety" inspections. You may have grounds to challenge or refuse payment for local inspections that are no longer legally authorized.
• Insurance Review: Consult your insurance broker before removing any safety equipment previously required by the city. Your General Liability policy may have underwriting conditions that mirror the old local codes; removing them could void your coverage.