SRC-BWC S.B. 22 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 22
77R1213By: Shapiro
Health and Human Services
1/31/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Texas law allows minors over the age of 16 who are placed in
alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers by a parent or guardian to check
themselves out of treatment without parental notice or consent.  As
proposed, S.B. 22 prohibits minors under the age of 18 from refusing drug
or alcohol treatment when a parent or guardian is responsible for placing
the minor in treatment, and requires  the consultation and consent of a
parent or guardian prior to the release of a minor under the age of 18 from
a treatment center. 

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. Authorizes this Act to be known as "JoJo's Law."

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 462.009(a), Health and Safety Code, to prohibit
a patient who is younger than 18, rather than 16, that is admitted under
Section 462.022(a) (3) (A), from refusing treatment. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 462.022, Health and Safety Code, by defining
"minor" for this section. Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 4.  Amends Section 462.023, Health and Safety Code, by requiring a
facility to consult with the person described by Subsection (b)(3) on
receipt of the written request for release if the patient is a minor
admitted under Section 462.022(a)(3)(A), and requires the facility to
continue treatment of the patient as a voluntary patient if the person in
writing objects to the release of the patient.  Makes conforming and
nonsubstantive changes. 

SECTION 5.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2001.