The bill would amend several sections of Government Code Chapter 531 to change the local match requirement for certain community mental health grant programs. The bill would change the reporting frequency for the report required by Government Code 531.0992. The bill would allow the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to spend an amount not to exceed five percent of funding appropriated for certain community mental health grant programs towards administrative costs.
The bill would amend Government Code Chapter 539 to specify additional fund sources that can be used as local match for grants for community collaboratives. The bill would remove requirements concerning the use of funds for community collaboratives that are self-sustaining within seven years. The bill would allow HHSC to spend an amount not to exceed five percent of funding appropriated for community collaboratives towards administrative costs.
The bill would apply to contracts entered on or after the effective date of this Act. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2021.
It is assumed that any costs associated with the bill could be absorbed using existing resources. It is also assumed that HHSC would ensure that contracts for the community mental health grant programs would not exceed appropriated amounts. Unless HHSC is appropriated additional funding for this purpose, there may be less overall funding available by program for local grantees.
The bill's provisions related to reducing matching requirements for counties of various population sizes for community collaborative mental health projects may benefit impacted counties but in an amount that cannot be determined at this time.