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.