BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 1659
By: Naishtat
04-04-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Currently, there is no statutory language regarding the
representation of mental health consumers on the Texas Mental
Health and Mental Retardation Board (TxMHMR).

PURPOSE

H.B. 1659 would require at least one member of the TxMHMR to be a
consumer of services for persons with mental health or mental
retardation, or a family member of a consumer of those services.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or
agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Sec. 532.003(b), Health and Safety Code, to add
that at least one member must be a consumer of services for persons
with mental illness or mental retardation, or a family member of a
consumer of those services.

SECTION 2. Requires the Governor to appoint a person meeting the
aforementioned qualifications to the first vacancy occurring after
the effective date, if no member of the TxMHMR already meets the
qualifications.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

H.B. 1659 was considered by the Public Health Committee in a public
hearing on April 4, 1995.

The following persons testified in favor of the bill:
Representative Naishtat, author of the bill.
Mike Bright, representing the ARC of Texas.
Spencer McClure, representing the Board of Trustees of Community
MHMR Centers and the     Texas Council of Community MHMR Centers
Incorporated.
Jacqueline Shannon, representing the Texas Alliance for the
Mentally Ill.

The bill was reported favorably without amendment, with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed and be sent to the
Committee on Local and Consent Calendars, by a record vote of 8
Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 PNV, 1 Absent.