TX HB816

Requires youth sports programs (non-school competitive sports for K-12 children in Olympic or UIL-sponsored sports) to obtain a license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to operate, effective September 1, 2026

Creates a nine-member Youth Sports Program Advisory Board consisting of physicians specializing in orthopedic surgery/sports medicine and neurology, a youth psychologist, a law enforcement officer, and three public members serving staggered six-year terms

Mandates that all coaches and trainers complete safety training substantially similar to the UIL extracurricular activity safety training program before serving in youth sports programs

Requires licensed programs to develop and implement department-approved concussion protocols and venue safety protocols as conditions of operation

Establishes a toll-free hotline for reporting violations and safety concerns, with the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation required to adopt all necessary rules, procedures, and fees by May 1, 2026