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


Senate Research Center   S.B. 491
78R617 SMJ-DBy: Shapleigh
Health & Human Services
2/25/2003
As Filed


DIGEST 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 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.  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. 

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