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


Senate Research Center   S.B. 261
By: Moncrief
Health Services
2/12/1999
As Filed


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 (TDMHMR). This
bill would reorganize the composition of the TDMHMR and other mental health
facilities. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 261 reorganizes the composition of the Texas Department
of Mental Health and Mental Retardation and other mental health facilities.

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 (TDMHMR) include the North Texas State Hospital,
rather than Vernon Wichita Falls State Hospital. Deletes from the list of
facilities operated by TDMHMR 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(a), Health and Safety Code, to require a
court to commit a patient to private mental hospitals under contract with
the single portal authority. 

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

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