TX SB1777

Prohibits health care providers, their employees, and contractors from accepting any form of payment for referring potential residents to group homes that are not properly licensed or permitted under state or local regulations

Creates a Class B misdemeanor offense for health care providers who accept payment for referring individuals to unlicensed group homes

Redesignates Chapter 769 of the Health and Safety Code (regulating certain group homes) as Chapter 767 for organizational purposes

Defines "group home" as an establishment providing lodging to three or more unrelated residents along with services like community meals, transportation, housework, and medication assistance, but not personal care services

Maintains existing requirements that group home owners must conduct criminal background checks on employees and cannot hire individuals convicted of certain offenses (Class A misdemeanor or higher)

Takes effect September 1, 2025