State Codes and Statutes
Statutes > Texas > Health-and-safety-code > Title-9-safety > Chapter-751-mass-gatherings
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE
TITLE 9. SAFETY
SUBTITLE A. PUBLIC SAFETY
CHAPTER 751. MASS GATHERINGS
Sec. 751.001. SHORT TITLE. This chapter may be cited as the
Texas Mass Gatherings Act.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.002. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Mass gathering" means a gathering:
(A) that is held outside the limits of a municipality;
(B) that attracts or is expected to attract:
(i) more than 2,500 persons; or
(ii) more than 500 persons, if 51 percent or more of those
persons may reasonably be expected to be younger than 21 years of
age and it is planned or may reasonably be expected that
alcoholic beverages will be sold, served, or consumed at or
around the gathering; and
(C) at which the persons will remain:
(i) for more than five continuous hours; or
(ii) for any amount of time during the period beginning at 10
p.m. and ending at 4 a.m.
(2) "Person" means an individual, group of individuals, firm,
corporation, partnership, or association.
(3) "Promote" includes organize, manage, finance, or hold.
(4) "Promoter" means a person who promotes a mass gathering.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 553, Sec. 1, eff. June 18,
1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
692, Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2005.
Sec. 751.003. PERMIT REQUIREMENT. A person may not promote a
mass gathering without a permit issued under this chapter.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.004. APPLICATION PROCEDURE. (a) At least 45 days
before the date on which a mass gathering will be held, the
promoter shall file a permit application with the county judge of
the county in which the mass gathering will be held.
(b) The application must include:
(1) the promoter's name and address;
(2) a financial statement that reflects the funds being supplied
to finance the mass gathering and each person supplying the
funds;
(3) the name and address of the owner of the property on which
the mass gathering will be held;
(4) a certified copy of the agreement between the promoter and
the property owner;
(5) the location and a description of the property on which the
mass gathering will be held;
(6) the dates and times that the mass gathering will be held;
(7) the maximum number of persons the promoter will allow to
attend the mass gathering and the plan the promoter intends to
use to limit attendance to that number;
(8) the name and address of each performer who has agreed to
appear at the mass gathering and the name and address of each
performer's agent;
(9) a description of each agreement between the promoter and a
performer;
(10) a description of each step the promoter has taken to ensure
that minimum standards of sanitation and health will be
maintained during the mass gathering;
(11) a description of all preparations being made to provide
traffic control, to ensure that the mass gathering will be
conducted in an orderly manner, and to protect the physical
safety of the persons who attend the mass gathering;
(12) a description of the preparations made to provide adequate
medical and nursing care; and
(13) a description of the preparations made to supervise minors
who may attend the mass gathering.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.005. INVESTIGATION. (a) After a permit application is
filed with the county judge, the county judge shall send a copy
of the application to the county health authority, the county
fire marshal or the person designated under Subsection (c), and
the sheriff.
(b) The county health authority shall inquire into preparations
for the mass gathering. At least five days before the date on
which the hearing prescribed by Section 751.006 is held, the
county health authority shall submit to the county judge a report
stating whether the health authority believes that the minimum
standards of health and sanitation prescribed by state and local
laws, rules, and orders will be maintained.
(c) The county fire marshal shall investigate preparations for
the mass gathering. If there is no county fire marshal in that
county, the commissioners court shall designate a person to act
under this section. At least five days before the date on which
the hearing prescribed by Section 751.006 is held, the county
fire marshal or the commissioners court designee shall submit to
the county judge a report stating whether the fire marshal or
designee believes that the minimum standards for ensuring public
fire safety and order as prescribed by state and local laws,
rules, and orders will be maintained.
(d) The sheriff shall investigate preparations for the mass
gathering. At least five days before the date on which the
hearing prescribed by Section 751.006 is held, the sheriff shall
submit to the county judge a report stating whether the sheriff
believes that the minimum standards for ensuring public safety
and order that are prescribed by state and local laws, rules, and
orders will be maintained.
(e) The county judge may conduct any additional investigation
that the judge considers necessary.
(f) The county health authority, county fire marshal or
commissioners court designee, and sheriff shall be available at
the hearing prescribed by Section 751.006 to give testimony
relating to their reports.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 553, Sec. 2, eff. June 18,
1999.
Sec. 751.0055. DELEGATION OF DUTIES OF COUNTY JUDGE. (a) The
county judge of a county may file an order with the commissioners
court of the county delegating to another county officer the duty
to hear applications for a permit under this chapter. The order
may provide for allowing the county officer to revoke a permit
under Section 751.008.
(b) An order of a county officer acting under the delegated
authority of the county judge in regard to a permit has the same
effect as an order of the county judge.
(c) During the period in which the order is in effect, the
county judge may withdraw the authority delegated in relation to
an application and the county judge may hear the application.
(d) The county judge may at any time revoke an order delegating
duties under this section.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1, Sec. 1, effective March 26,
2001.
Sec. 751.006. HEARING. (a) Not later than the 10th day before
the date on which a mass gathering will begin, the county judge
shall hold a hearing on the application. The county judge shall
set the date and time of the hearing.
(b) Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given
to the promoter and to each person who has an interest in whether
the permit is granted or denied.
(c) At the hearing, any person may appear and testify for or
against granting the permit.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.007. FINDINGS AND DECISION OF COUNTY JUDGE. (a) After
the completion of the hearing prescribed by Section 751.006, the
county judge shall enter his findings in the record and shall
either grant or deny the permit.
(b) The county judge may deny the permit if he finds that:
(1) the application contains false or misleading information or
omits required information;
(2) the promoter's financial backing is insufficient to ensure
that the mass gathering will be conducted in the manner stated in
the application;
(3) the location selected for the mass gathering is inadequate
for the purpose for which it will be used;
(4) the promoter has not made adequate preparations to limit the
number of persons attending the mass gathering or to provide
adequate supervision for minors attending the mass gathering;
(5) the promoter does not have assurance that scheduled
performers will appear;
(6) the preparations for the mass gathering do not ensure that
minimum standards of sanitation and health will be maintained;
(7) the preparations for the mass gathering do not ensure that
the mass gathering will be conducted in an orderly manner and
that the physical safety of persons attending will be protected;
(8) adequate arrangements for traffic control have not been
provided; or
(9) adequate medical and nursing care will not be available.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.008. PERMIT REVOCATION. (a) The county judge may
revoke a permit issued under this chapter if the county judge
finds that preparations for the mass gathering will not be
completed by the time the mass gathering will begin or that the
permit was obtained by fraud or misrepresentation.
(b) The county judge must give notice to the promoter that the
permit will be revoked at least 24 hours before the revocation.
If requested by the promoter, the county judge shall hold a
hearing on the revocation.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.009. APPEAL. A promoter or a person affected by the
granting, denying, or revoking of a permit may appeal that action
to a district court having jurisdiction in the county in which
the mass gathering will be held.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1, Sec. 2, eff. March 26,
2001.
Sec. 751.010. RULES. (a) After notice and a public hearing,
the Texas Board of Health shall adopt rules relating to minimum
standards of health and sanitation to be maintained at mass
gatherings.
(b) After notice and a public hearing, the Department of Public
Safety shall adopt rules relating to minimum standards that must
be maintained at a mass gathering to protect public safety and
maintain order.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.011. CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) A person commits an
offense if the person violates Section 751.003.
(b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by
a fine of not more than $1,000, confinement in the county jail
for not more than 90 days, or both.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.012. INSPECTIONS. (a) The county health authority may
inspect a mass gathering during the mass gathering to ensure that
the minimum standards of health and sanitation prescribed by
state and local laws, rules, and orders are being maintained. If
the county health authority determines a violation of the minimum
standards is occurring, the health authority may order the
promoter of the mass gathering to correct the violation.
(b) The county fire marshal or the person designated under
Section 751.005(c) may inspect a mass gathering during the mass
gathering to ensure that the minimum standards for ensuring
public fire safety and order as prescribed by state and local
laws, rules, and orders are being maintained. If the marshal or
commissioners court designee determines a violation of the
minimum standards is occurring, the marshal or designee may order
the promoter of the mass gathering to correct the violation.
(c) The sheriff may inspect a mass gathering during the mass
gathering to ensure that the minimum standards for ensuring
public safety and order prescribed by state and local laws,
rules, and orders are being maintained. If the sheriff determines
a violation of the minimum standards is occurring, the sheriff
may order the promoter of the mass gathering to correct the
violation.
(d) A promoter who fails to comply with an order issued under
this section commits an offense. An offense under this section is
a Class C misdemeanor.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 553, Sec. 3, eff. June 18,
1999.
Sec. 751.013. INSPECTION FEES. (a) A commissioners court may
establish and collect a fee for an inspection performed under
Section 751.012. The fee may not exceed the amount necessary to
defray the costs of performing the inspections. The fee shall be
deposited into the general fund of the county.
(b) A commissioners court may use money collected under this
section to reimburse the county department or, if a state agency
performs the inspection on behalf of the county, the state
agency, the cost of performing the inspection.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 553, Sec. 3, eff. June 18,
1999.
State Codes and Statutes
Statutes > Texas > Health-and-safety-code > Title-9-safety > Chapter-751-mass-gatherings
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE
TITLE 9. SAFETY
SUBTITLE A. PUBLIC SAFETY
CHAPTER 751. MASS GATHERINGS
Sec. 751.001. SHORT TITLE. This chapter may be cited as the
Texas Mass Gatherings Act.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.002. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Mass gathering" means a gathering:
(A) that is held outside the limits of a municipality;
(B) that attracts or is expected to attract:
(i) more than 2,500 persons; or
(ii) more than 500 persons, if 51 percent or more of those
persons may reasonably be expected to be younger than 21 years of
age and it is planned or may reasonably be expected that
alcoholic beverages will be sold, served, or consumed at or
around the gathering; and
(C) at which the persons will remain:
(i) for more than five continuous hours; or
(ii) for any amount of time during the period beginning at 10
p.m. and ending at 4 a.m.
(2) "Person" means an individual, group of individuals, firm,
corporation, partnership, or association.
(3) "Promote" includes organize, manage, finance, or hold.
(4) "Promoter" means a person who promotes a mass gathering.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 553, Sec. 1, eff. June 18,
1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
692, Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2005.
Sec. 751.003. PERMIT REQUIREMENT. A person may not promote a
mass gathering without a permit issued under this chapter.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.004. APPLICATION PROCEDURE. (a) At least 45 days
before the date on which a mass gathering will be held, the
promoter shall file a permit application with the county judge of
the county in which the mass gathering will be held.
(b) The application must include:
(1) the promoter's name and address;
(2) a financial statement that reflects the funds being supplied
to finance the mass gathering and each person supplying the
funds;
(3) the name and address of the owner of the property on which
the mass gathering will be held;
(4) a certified copy of the agreement between the promoter and
the property owner;
(5) the location and a description of the property on which the
mass gathering will be held;
(6) the dates and times that the mass gathering will be held;
(7) the maximum number of persons the promoter will allow to
attend the mass gathering and the plan the promoter intends to
use to limit attendance to that number;
(8) the name and address of each performer who has agreed to
appear at the mass gathering and the name and address of each
performer's agent;
(9) a description of each agreement between the promoter and a
performer;
(10) a description of each step the promoter has taken to ensure
that minimum standards of sanitation and health will be
maintained during the mass gathering;
(11) a description of all preparations being made to provide
traffic control, to ensure that the mass gathering will be
conducted in an orderly manner, and to protect the physical
safety of the persons who attend the mass gathering;
(12) a description of the preparations made to provide adequate
medical and nursing care; and
(13) a description of the preparations made to supervise minors
who may attend the mass gathering.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.005. INVESTIGATION. (a) After a permit application is
filed with the county judge, the county judge shall send a copy
of the application to the county health authority, the county
fire marshal or the person designated under Subsection (c), and
the sheriff.
(b) The county health authority shall inquire into preparations
for the mass gathering. At least five days before the date on
which the hearing prescribed by Section 751.006 is held, the
county health authority shall submit to the county judge a report
stating whether the health authority believes that the minimum
standards of health and sanitation prescribed by state and local
laws, rules, and orders will be maintained.
(c) The county fire marshal shall investigate preparations for
the mass gathering. If there is no county fire marshal in that
county, the commissioners court shall designate a person to act
under this section. At least five days before the date on which
the hearing prescribed by Section 751.006 is held, the county
fire marshal or the commissioners court designee shall submit to
the county judge a report stating whether the fire marshal or
designee believes that the minimum standards for ensuring public
fire safety and order as prescribed by state and local laws,
rules, and orders will be maintained.
(d) The sheriff shall investigate preparations for the mass
gathering. At least five days before the date on which the
hearing prescribed by Section 751.006 is held, the sheriff shall
submit to the county judge a report stating whether the sheriff
believes that the minimum standards for ensuring public safety
and order that are prescribed by state and local laws, rules, and
orders will be maintained.
(e) The county judge may conduct any additional investigation
that the judge considers necessary.
(f) The county health authority, county fire marshal or
commissioners court designee, and sheriff shall be available at
the hearing prescribed by Section 751.006 to give testimony
relating to their reports.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 553, Sec. 2, eff. June 18,
1999.
Sec. 751.0055. DELEGATION OF DUTIES OF COUNTY JUDGE. (a) The
county judge of a county may file an order with the commissioners
court of the county delegating to another county officer the duty
to hear applications for a permit under this chapter. The order
may provide for allowing the county officer to revoke a permit
under Section 751.008.
(b) An order of a county officer acting under the delegated
authority of the county judge in regard to a permit has the same
effect as an order of the county judge.
(c) During the period in which the order is in effect, the
county judge may withdraw the authority delegated in relation to
an application and the county judge may hear the application.
(d) The county judge may at any time revoke an order delegating
duties under this section.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1, Sec. 1, effective March 26,
2001.
Sec. 751.006. HEARING. (a) Not later than the 10th day before
the date on which a mass gathering will begin, the county judge
shall hold a hearing on the application. The county judge shall
set the date and time of the hearing.
(b) Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given
to the promoter and to each person who has an interest in whether
the permit is granted or denied.
(c) At the hearing, any person may appear and testify for or
against granting the permit.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.007. FINDINGS AND DECISION OF COUNTY JUDGE. (a) After
the completion of the hearing prescribed by Section 751.006, the
county judge shall enter his findings in the record and shall
either grant or deny the permit.
(b) The county judge may deny the permit if he finds that:
(1) the application contains false or misleading information or
omits required information;
(2) the promoter's financial backing is insufficient to ensure
that the mass gathering will be conducted in the manner stated in
the application;
(3) the location selected for the mass gathering is inadequate
for the purpose for which it will be used;
(4) the promoter has not made adequate preparations to limit the
number of persons attending the mass gathering or to provide
adequate supervision for minors attending the mass gathering;
(5) the promoter does not have assurance that scheduled
performers will appear;
(6) the preparations for the mass gathering do not ensure that
minimum standards of sanitation and health will be maintained;
(7) the preparations for the mass gathering do not ensure that
the mass gathering will be conducted in an orderly manner and
that the physical safety of persons attending will be protected;
(8) adequate arrangements for traffic control have not been
provided; or
(9) adequate medical and nursing care will not be available.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.008. PERMIT REVOCATION. (a) The county judge may
revoke a permit issued under this chapter if the county judge
finds that preparations for the mass gathering will not be
completed by the time the mass gathering will begin or that the
permit was obtained by fraud or misrepresentation.
(b) The county judge must give notice to the promoter that the
permit will be revoked at least 24 hours before the revocation.
If requested by the promoter, the county judge shall hold a
hearing on the revocation.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.009. APPEAL. A promoter or a person affected by the
granting, denying, or revoking of a permit may appeal that action
to a district court having jurisdiction in the county in which
the mass gathering will be held.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1, Sec. 2, eff. March 26,
2001.
Sec. 751.010. RULES. (a) After notice and a public hearing,
the Texas Board of Health shall adopt rules relating to minimum
standards of health and sanitation to be maintained at mass
gatherings.
(b) After notice and a public hearing, the Department of Public
Safety shall adopt rules relating to minimum standards that must
be maintained at a mass gathering to protect public safety and
maintain order.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.011. CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) A person commits an
offense if the person violates Section 751.003.
(b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by
a fine of not more than $1,000, confinement in the county jail
for not more than 90 days, or both.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.012. INSPECTIONS. (a) The county health authority may
inspect a mass gathering during the mass gathering to ensure that
the minimum standards of health and sanitation prescribed by
state and local laws, rules, and orders are being maintained. If
the county health authority determines a violation of the minimum
standards is occurring, the health authority may order the
promoter of the mass gathering to correct the violation.
(b) The county fire marshal or the person designated under
Section 751.005(c) may inspect a mass gathering during the mass
gathering to ensure that the minimum standards for ensuring
public fire safety and order as prescribed by state and local
laws, rules, and orders are being maintained. If the marshal or
commissioners court designee determines a violation of the
minimum standards is occurring, the marshal or designee may order
the promoter of the mass gathering to correct the violation.
(c) The sheriff may inspect a mass gathering during the mass
gathering to ensure that the minimum standards for ensuring
public safety and order prescribed by state and local laws,
rules, and orders are being maintained. If the sheriff determines
a violation of the minimum standards is occurring, the sheriff
may order the promoter of the mass gathering to correct the
violation.
(d) A promoter who fails to comply with an order issued under
this section commits an offense. An offense under this section is
a Class C misdemeanor.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 553, Sec. 3, eff. June 18,
1999.
Sec. 751.013. INSPECTION FEES. (a) A commissioners court may
establish and collect a fee for an inspection performed under
Section 751.012. The fee may not exceed the amount necessary to
defray the costs of performing the inspections. The fee shall be
deposited into the general fund of the county.
(b) A commissioners court may use money collected under this
section to reimburse the county department or, if a state agency
performs the inspection on behalf of the county, the state
agency, the cost of performing the inspection.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 553, Sec. 3, eff. June 18,
1999.
State Codes and Statutes
Statutes >
Texas >
Health-and-safety-code >
Title-9-safety >
Chapter-751-mass-gatherings HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE
TITLE 9. SAFETY
SUBTITLE A. PUBLIC SAFETY
CHAPTER 751. MASS GATHERINGS
Sec. 751.001. SHORT TITLE. This chapter may be cited as the
Texas Mass Gatherings Act.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.002. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Mass gathering" means a gathering:
(A) that is held outside the limits of a municipality;
(B) that attracts or is expected to attract:
(i) more than 2,500 persons; or
(ii) more than 500 persons, if 51 percent or more of those
persons may reasonably be expected to be younger than 21 years of
age and it is planned or may reasonably be expected that
alcoholic beverages will be sold, served, or consumed at or
around the gathering; and
(C) at which the persons will remain:
(i) for more than five continuous hours; or
(ii) for any amount of time during the period beginning at 10
p.m. and ending at 4 a.m.
(2) "Person" means an individual, group of individuals, firm,
corporation, partnership, or association.
(3) "Promote" includes organize, manage, finance, or hold.
(4) "Promoter" means a person who promotes a mass gathering.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 553, Sec. 1, eff. June 18,
1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
692, Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2005.
Sec. 751.003. PERMIT REQUIREMENT. A person may not promote a
mass gathering without a permit issued under this chapter.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.004. APPLICATION PROCEDURE. (a) At least 45 days
before the date on which a mass gathering will be held, the
promoter shall file a permit application with the county judge of
the county in which the mass gathering will be held.
(b) The application must include:
(1) the promoter's name and address;
(2) a financial statement that reflects the funds being supplied
to finance the mass gathering and each person supplying the
funds;
(3) the name and address of the owner of the property on which
the mass gathering will be held;
(4) a certified copy of the agreement between the promoter and
the property owner;
(5) the location and a description of the property on which the
mass gathering will be held;
(6) the dates and times that the mass gathering will be held;
(7) the maximum number of persons the promoter will allow to
attend the mass gathering and the plan the promoter intends to
use to limit attendance to that number;
(8) the name and address of each performer who has agreed to
appear at the mass gathering and the name and address of each
performer's agent;
(9) a description of each agreement between the promoter and a
performer;
(10) a description of each step the promoter has taken to ensure
that minimum standards of sanitation and health will be
maintained during the mass gathering;
(11) a description of all preparations being made to provide
traffic control, to ensure that the mass gathering will be
conducted in an orderly manner, and to protect the physical
safety of the persons who attend the mass gathering;
(12) a description of the preparations made to provide adequate
medical and nursing care; and
(13) a description of the preparations made to supervise minors
who may attend the mass gathering.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.005. INVESTIGATION. (a) After a permit application is
filed with the county judge, the county judge shall send a copy
of the application to the county health authority, the county
fire marshal or the person designated under Subsection (c), and
the sheriff.
(b) The county health authority shall inquire into preparations
for the mass gathering. At least five days before the date on
which the hearing prescribed by Section 751.006 is held, the
county health authority shall submit to the county judge a report
stating whether the health authority believes that the minimum
standards of health and sanitation prescribed by state and local
laws, rules, and orders will be maintained.
(c) The county fire marshal shall investigate preparations for
the mass gathering. If there is no county fire marshal in that
county, the commissioners court shall designate a person to act
under this section. At least five days before the date on which
the hearing prescribed by Section 751.006 is held, the county
fire marshal or the commissioners court designee shall submit to
the county judge a report stating whether the fire marshal or
designee believes that the minimum standards for ensuring public
fire safety and order as prescribed by state and local laws,
rules, and orders will be maintained.
(d) The sheriff shall investigate preparations for the mass
gathering. At least five days before the date on which the
hearing prescribed by Section 751.006 is held, the sheriff shall
submit to the county judge a report stating whether the sheriff
believes that the minimum standards for ensuring public safety
and order that are prescribed by state and local laws, rules, and
orders will be maintained.
(e) The county judge may conduct any additional investigation
that the judge considers necessary.
(f) The county health authority, county fire marshal or
commissioners court designee, and sheriff shall be available at
the hearing prescribed by Section 751.006 to give testimony
relating to their reports.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 553, Sec. 2, eff. June 18,
1999.
Sec. 751.0055. DELEGATION OF DUTIES OF COUNTY JUDGE. (a) The
county judge of a county may file an order with the commissioners
court of the county delegating to another county officer the duty
to hear applications for a permit under this chapter. The order
may provide for allowing the county officer to revoke a permit
under Section 751.008.
(b) An order of a county officer acting under the delegated
authority of the county judge in regard to a permit has the same
effect as an order of the county judge.
(c) During the period in which the order is in effect, the
county judge may withdraw the authority delegated in relation to
an application and the county judge may hear the application.
(d) The county judge may at any time revoke an order delegating
duties under this section.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1, Sec. 1, effective March 26,
2001.
Sec. 751.006. HEARING. (a) Not later than the 10th day before
the date on which a mass gathering will begin, the county judge
shall hold a hearing on the application. The county judge shall
set the date and time of the hearing.
(b) Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given
to the promoter and to each person who has an interest in whether
the permit is granted or denied.
(c) At the hearing, any person may appear and testify for or
against granting the permit.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.007. FINDINGS AND DECISION OF COUNTY JUDGE. (a) After
the completion of the hearing prescribed by Section 751.006, the
county judge shall enter his findings in the record and shall
either grant or deny the permit.
(b) The county judge may deny the permit if he finds that:
(1) the application contains false or misleading information or
omits required information;
(2) the promoter's financial backing is insufficient to ensure
that the mass gathering will be conducted in the manner stated in
the application;
(3) the location selected for the mass gathering is inadequate
for the purpose for which it will be used;
(4) the promoter has not made adequate preparations to limit the
number of persons attending the mass gathering or to provide
adequate supervision for minors attending the mass gathering;
(5) the promoter does not have assurance that scheduled
performers will appear;
(6) the preparations for the mass gathering do not ensure that
minimum standards of sanitation and health will be maintained;
(7) the preparations for the mass gathering do not ensure that
the mass gathering will be conducted in an orderly manner and
that the physical safety of persons attending will be protected;
(8) adequate arrangements for traffic control have not been
provided; or
(9) adequate medical and nursing care will not be available.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.008. PERMIT REVOCATION. (a) The county judge may
revoke a permit issued under this chapter if the county judge
finds that preparations for the mass gathering will not be
completed by the time the mass gathering will begin or that the
permit was obtained by fraud or misrepresentation.
(b) The county judge must give notice to the promoter that the
permit will be revoked at least 24 hours before the revocation.
If requested by the promoter, the county judge shall hold a
hearing on the revocation.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.009. APPEAL. A promoter or a person affected by the
granting, denying, or revoking of a permit may appeal that action
to a district court having jurisdiction in the county in which
the mass gathering will be held.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1, Sec. 2, eff. March 26,
2001.
Sec. 751.010. RULES. (a) After notice and a public hearing,
the Texas Board of Health shall adopt rules relating to minimum
standards of health and sanitation to be maintained at mass
gatherings.
(b) After notice and a public hearing, the Department of Public
Safety shall adopt rules relating to minimum standards that must
be maintained at a mass gathering to protect public safety and
maintain order.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.011. CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) A person commits an
offense if the person violates Section 751.003.
(b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by
a fine of not more than $1,000, confinement in the county jail
for not more than 90 days, or both.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 751.012. INSPECTIONS. (a) The county health authority may
inspect a mass gathering during the mass gathering to ensure that
the minimum standards of health and sanitation prescribed by
state and local laws, rules, and orders are being maintained. If
the county health authority determines a violation of the minimum
standards is occurring, the health authority may order the
promoter of the mass gathering to correct the violation.
(b) The county fire marshal or the person designated under
Section 751.005(c) may inspect a mass gathering during the mass
gathering to ensure that the minimum standards for ensuring
public fire safety and order as prescribed by state and local
laws, rules, and orders are being maintained. If the marshal or
commissioners court designee determines a violation of the
minimum standards is occurring, the marshal or designee may order
the promoter of the mass gathering to correct the violation.
(c) The sheriff may inspect a mass gathering during the mass
gathering to ensure that the minimum standards for ensuring
public safety and order prescribed by state and local laws,
rules, and orders are being maintained. If the sheriff determines
a violation of the minimum standards is occurring, the sheriff
may order the promoter of the mass gathering to correct the
violation.
(d) A promoter who fails to comply with an order issued under
this section commits an offense. An offense under this section is
a Class C misdemeanor.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 553, Sec. 3, eff. June 18,
1999.
Sec. 751.013. INSPECTION FEES. (a) A commissioners court may
establish and collect a fee for an inspection performed under
Section 751.012. The fee may not exceed the amount necessary to
defray the costs of performing the inspections. The fee shall be
deposited into the general fund of the county.
(b) A commissioners court may use money collected under this
section to reimburse the county department or, if a state agency
performs the inspection on behalf of the county, the state
agency, the cost of performing the inspection.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 553, Sec. 3, eff. June 18,
1999.
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