SRC-CTC H.B. 1901 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1901 77R6566 DAK-DBy: Turner, Sylvester (Whitmire) Health & Human Services 4/27/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, one of the most significant issues facing the Texas Juvenile Justice System is the number of youth, up to 40 percent of offenders, who have a diagnosable mental health disorder. As Texas juvenile facilities attempt to prepare for the needs of these children, the state has yet to develop a comprehensive and coordinated effort to address the scope of this issue. H.B. 1901 requires the Texas Council on Offenders with Mental Impairments to perform a comprehensive study to develop a plan for juveniles with mental health and substance abuse disorders who are involved or who are at risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. The bill also authorizes pilot projects to be implemented to address prevention, intervention, and continuity of care for juveniles with mental health and substance abuse disorders. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 614, Health and Safety Code, by adding Sections 614.018 and 614.019, as follows: Sec. 614.018. STUDY AND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR JUVENILES. Requires the Texas Council on Offenders with Mental Impairments (council) to conduct a study and develop a comprehensive plan for juveniles with mental health and substance abuse disorders who are involved in or who are at risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. Sets forth certain items which the plan is required to address. Requires the council to include certain representatives that it considers necessary in the preparation of the study and plan. Requires the council to submit the study and plan, including recommendations and projected funding to implement the plan, to certain state officials on or before December 1, 2002. Provides that this section expires December 1, 2002. Sec. 614.019. PILOT PROGRAMS FOR JUVENILES. Authorizes the council, in cooperation with certain state entities, to establish pilot programs, building on existing successful efforts in communities, to address prevention, intervention, and continuity of care for juveniles with mental health and substance abuse disorders. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.