SRC-AMY S.B. 491 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 491
By: Shapleigh
Health & Human Services
8/14/2003
Enrolled

DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Although school-based mental health programs may reduce the risk of mental
illness, there is currently no requirement that any state agency undertake
a study of Texas schools' capacity to identify and address mental health
and substance abuse problems in students.  S.B. 491 requires the Texas
Education Agency, the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental
Retardation, the Texas Department of Health, and the Texas Commission on
Alcohol and Drug Abuse to conduct a joint assessment of existing
school-based mental health and substance abuse programs and report the
results of the assessment to the 79th Legislature.  The assessment will
include recommendations regarding further development of such programs in
Texas schools. 

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.  (a) Requires the Texas Education Agency (TEA), along with the
Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, the Texas
Department of Health, and the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse,
to assess existing school-based mental health and substance abuse
programs.  Requires the assessment to include recommendations regarding
further development of such programs, including recommendations regarding
certain related topics.   

(b) Requires TEA to report on the results of the assessment to the 79th
Legislature by January 11, 2005. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.