S.B. 491 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


S.B. 491
By: Shapleigh
Public Health
Committee Report (Unamended)
      


BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Although school-based mental health programs may reduce the risk of mental
health 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. As proposed, 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 should include recommendations regarding further development of
such programs in Texas schools.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution.   

ANALYSIS

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

EFFECTIVE DATE

Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2003.