SRC-JXG S.B. 261 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 261
By: Moncrief
Health Services
7/6/1999
Enrolled


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law provides that the North Texas State Hospital, formerly
known as the VernonWichita Falls State Hospital, is included under the
Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (TXMHMR). S.B. 261
will reorganize the composition of  TXMHMR and other mental health
facilities. 

PURPOSE

As enrolled, S.B. 261 sets forth the facilities and functions of facilities
under the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental
Retardation.  

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 532.001(b), Health and Safety Code, to provide
that community services operated by the Texas Department of Mental Health
and Mental Retardation (TXMHMR) include the North Texas State Hospital,
rather than Vernon-Wichita Falls State Hospital. Deletesfrom the list of
facilities operated by TXMHMR the Harris County Psychiatric Center, Dallas
Mental Health Connections, El Paso Psychiatric Hospital, and Lubbock
Psychiatric Hospital. Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 571.003(21), Health and Safety Code, to redefine
"state mental hospital." 

SECTION 3. Amends Section 574.041, Health and Safety Code, by amending
Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (d), to require a court to commit a
patient to a private mental hospital under contract with the single portal
authority for an area. Defines "facility of a single portal authority."
Makes a conforming change. 

SECTION 4. Repealer: Chapter 596, Health and Safety Code (Public
Responsibility Committees). 

SECTION 5. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.