Texas SB 660: New Requirements for Hospital Emergency Room Safety
What is Texas SB 660?
Texas Senate Bill 660 (SB 660) is a new law aimed at improving emergency room safety across the state. Passed in response to alarming vehicle-into-building incidents, the legislation requires hospitals with emergency rooms located near areas with vehicular access to install crash-rated bollards or equivalent hospital safety barriers. These barriers are designed to protect patients, medical staff, and infrastructure from unintended or deliberate vehicle impacts.
The bill is a critical move toward increasing healthcare facility safety, particularly in high-traffic zones where accidental or impaired driving can pose a significant risk.
Effective Dates and Legislative Timeline
SB 660 follows a structured rollout to give hospitals time to assess and act:
- September 1, 2025: SB 660 goes into effect.
- December 1, 2025: Texas Health and Human Services Commission must establish enforcement rules.
- January 1, 2026: All applicable hospitals must be fully compliant.
Hospitals should begin preparations now to avoid supply delays and ensure SB 660 hospital safety compliance ahead of the deadline.
Why Crash-Rated Bollards Are Essential
The push for this legislation stems in large part from a tragic incident at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center. On February 13, 2024, a drunk driver drove through the hospital’s emergency room entrance, killing herself and seriously injuring five others, including a family of four. The vehicle shattered glass doors and struck a large aquarium, causing further injuries from flying debris.
Following the crash, the hospital installed bollards to prevent a recurrence — highlighting the life-saving impact of proactive barrier installation.
Hospital Crash Statistics in Texas and Nationwide
While hospitals aren’t the most common target for vehicle-into-building incidents, the consequences are often severe:
- Over 300 crashes into U.S. medical facilities occurred in the last decade.
- Texas alone has recorded 100+ such incidents since 2014.
- Nationwide, 100 vehicle-into-building crashes occur daily, according to the Storefront Safety Council.
- Emergency departments see 3.8 million crash-related visits per year nationwide
These figures emphasize the growing importance of physical barriers in emergency room safety planning.
Who Will Be Affected by SB 660?
Any hospital licensed under Chapter 241 of the Texas Health and Safety Code with emergency rooms near roads, driveways, or parking lots must comply with SB 660. This includes most urban and suburban hospitals whose ER entrances are accessible to vehicles.
Rural Hospital Exemptions Explained
SB 660 includes thoughtful rural hospital exemptions to avoid burdening smaller institutions. Exempt facilities include:
- Hospitals in counties with populations ≤ 68,750
- Hospitals designated by CMS as critical access, rural referral centers, or sole community hospitals, especially if:
- Located outside metropolitan statistical areas, or have ≤ 100 beds within such areas
These exemptions reduce barriers to care in already resource-strapped communities while maintaining safety standards where risks are higher.
Compliance Guidelines for Texas Hospitals
5-Step SB 660 Compliance Checklist
- Confirm Applicability: Determine if your facility meets the criteria for mandatory compliance or qualifies for exemption.
- Assess ER Entrances: Review all emergency room entrances that are accessible from areas with vehicular traffic.
- Choose ASTM-Compliant Barriers: Select ASTM certified crash-rated bollards or equivalent barriers suited to your site.
- Budget and Schedule Installation: Allocate funds, engage vendors, and schedule installation well before the January 1, 2026 deadline.
- Maintain Documentation: Keep thorough records of assessments, product certifications, installation dates, and maintenance for inspections.
Avoiding Delays and Fines
Early action is essential. Proactively contacting vendors, clarifying compliance requirements, and securing installation services will help hospitals avoid:
- Penalties for late compliance
- Scheduling bottlenecks with contractors
- Legal or insurance liabilities in the event of a crash
Selecting the Right Crash-Rated Safety Barriers
Texas SB 660 highlights the growing importance of crash-rated safety bollards at vulnerable access points like hospital emergency entrances. However, the specific rating requirements have not yet been defined. As hospitals and planners begin evaluating their options, understanding the different crash standards available is a critical first step in making informed decisions that enhance both pedestrian and facility safety.
Crash ratings are typically governed by ASTM standards, which measure a barrier’s ability to stop vehicles of various sizes and speeds under controlled test conditions. Two main standards are commonly referenced: ASTM F2656, which tests higher-speed and heavy-duty impacts, and ASTM F3016, which evaluates barriers designed for low-speed urban environments.
To learn more about these standards and how they compare, visit our full crash ratings reference guide.
Understanding ASTM F3016 Ratings (S10–S30)
The ASTM F3016 standard is designed to evaluate a barrier’s performance against low-speed vehicle impacts—often found in pedestrian areas or storefronts. It simulates a 5,000-pound vehicle impacting a barrier head-on at three speed thresholds:
- S10: Tested at 10 mph
- S20: Tested at 20 mph
- S30: Tested at 30 mph
These ratings help planners assess which level of protection is most appropriate based on-site conditions such as traffic flow patterns, distance from the curb or parking areas, and vehicle access routes. To comply with ASTM F3016, products must be tested at accredited crash facilities such as Calspan.
Understanding ASTM F2656 Ratings (M30–M50)
Whereas ASTM F3016 addresses low-speed urban collisions, ASTM F2656 is the primary standard used for evaluating barriers in high-risk, high-speed scenarios—like those found at military bases, embassies, or emergency entrances with exposure to roadways. This standard is rated for impacts from larger vehicles traveling at significantly higher speeds, making it critical for perimeter security and high-consequence environments.
Under ASTM F2656, barriers are rated using two components:
- Vehicle weight & speed (e.g., M30, M40, M50)
- Penetration distance, or how far the vehicle travels past the barrier after impact (P1, P2, P3)
For example, a M50/P1 rated barrier stops a 15,000 lb. truck traveling at 50 mph within 3.3 feet of the barrier—offering the highest level of certified protection.
When evaluating crash-rated solutions for a hospital setting, ASTM F2656 may be required depending on the proximity to major roads, potential speed of approaching vehicles, or risk assessment protocols. Like F3016, these barriers must be physically tested at certified crash test facilities and installed according to engineered specifications
Texas SB 660 represents a significant step toward improving public safety in and around hospital emergency departments. By mandating crash-rated barriers in high-risk areas, the legislation underscores the growing need for physical protection in healthcare settings. Hospitals should act now to assess their vulnerability, understand barrier options, and plan installations to ensure timely compliance. Beyond regulatory deadlines, this is an opportunity to protect the people and places that matter most.
FAQ
What is the purpose of Texas SB 660?
To enhance emergency room safety by requiring hospitals with vehicular exposure to install crash-rated safety barriers.
Which hospitals must install crash-rated bollards under SB 660?
Most urban and suburban hospitals with ERs near driveways, roads, or parking lots — unless they qualify for rural or special designation exemptions.
When is the SB 660 compliance deadline?
January 1, 2026.
Are rural hospitals or small facilities exempt from SB 660?
Yes. The law exempts hospitals in low-population counties, and those recognized as critical access, rural referral, or sole community hospitals under certain conditions.
