SRC-CDH H.B. 3315 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3315
By: Solis (Lucio)
Health & Human Services
5-5-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, although efforts have been made to provide Texans with the best
possible mental health services, widespread disparity in funding and
delivery of services still exists.  H.B. 3315 requires the Texas
Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation to prepare a plan
addressing disparity in mental health treatment funding and services for
consideration by the legislature.  This legislation requires the plan to
provide for each region of the state to have a similar amount or level of
services available per capita, and equalized funding for services provided
in each region of the state, adjusted for the population density and
relative prosperity or poverty of the region.  In addition, this bill
authorizes the plan to divide the state into service regions in order to
accomplish those goals. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3315 provides for the equalization of facilities and
funding for mental health treatment and services.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Requires the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental
Retardation (MHMR) to prepare a plan for presentation to and consideration
by the legislature that provides in all necessary detail a mechanism for,
and the related costs of, providing state mental health treatment and
services equally in all regions of the state.  Requires the plan to
include specific recommendations for necessary amendments to state law;
changes to MHMR's budget and for appropriations to accomplish the plan;
and acquiring or disposing of facilities as needed to achieve the per
capita services goals.  Requires the plan to provide for each region of
the state to have a similar amount or level of services available per
capita, and equalized funding for services provided in each region.
Authorizes the plan to provide for dividing the state into service regions
of unequal size as are best suited to accomplish the goals of Subsection
(c). 

SECTION 2. Requires MHMR to begin developing the plan as soon after the
effective date of this Act as practicable.  Authorizes MHMR to consult
with any state agency to accomplish that task. Requires the plan to be
completed not later than September 30, 1998.  Sets forth the terms by
which MHMR is required to present the plan to the governor and certain
legislators on or before that date.  
SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
  Effective date:  upon passage.