BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	C.S.H.B. 3821
87R28016 MWC-D	By: Hunter (Men�ndez)
	Health & Human Services
	5/20/2021
	Committee Report (Substituted)

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 DSHS in the administration of the mental health program for veterans.

The committee substitute for H.B. 3821 will have the TVC coordinate with the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to administer the mental health program for veterans rather than DSHS.

C.S.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 Sections 434.352(a) and (b), Government Code, as follows:

(a) Requires the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), rather than TVC and the Department of State Health Services, to coordinate to administer the mental health program for veterans developed under Chapter 1001, Health and Safety Code.

(b) Requires TVC, for the mental health program (program) for veterans, to provide, identify, and coordinate certain services, including employing and training mental health professionals to assist HHSC in the administration of the program.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2021.