BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 3821
87R18674 MWC-D	By: Hunter (Men�ndez)
	Health & Human Services
	5/17/2021
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Nearly a decade ago, the legislature directed the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to develop a mental health program for veterans in Texas. DSHS is required to coordinate with the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) to administer the program. Given the unique circumstances of providing treatment under this program, there have been calls for TVC to employ and train mental health professionals to assist DSHS in the administration of the program.

H.B. 3821 amends the Government Code to require TVC to employ and train mental health professionals to assist the DSHS in the administration of the mental health program for veterans.

H.B. 3821 amends current law relating to employing and training mental health professionals for the mental health program for veterans.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 434.352(b), Government Code, to require the Texas Veterans Commission, for the mental health program (program) for veterans to provide, identify, and coordinate certain services, including employing and training mental health professionals to assist the Department of State Health Services in the administration of the program.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2021.