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.