SRC-JXG S.B. 153 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 153
76R3135 SMJ-DBy: Harris
Jurisprudence
2/18/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law requires a county to pay the court costs for
involuntary mental health commitments. A county is authorized to seek
reimbursement only from patients or persons responsible for a patient's
estate. A number of counties charge court costs to a mental health facility
designated to provide courtordered mental health services. This bill would
prohibit a county from requiring a mental health facility to pay any costs
associated with an involuntary mental health commitment hearing or
proceeding. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 153 prohibits a county from requiring a mental health
facility to pay any costs associated with an involuntary mental health
commitment hearing or proceeding. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 571.018, Health and Safety Code, by adding
Subsection (j), to prohibit a county from requiring a mental health
facility designated to provide court-ordered mental health services to pay
a cost associated with a hearing or proceeding. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.