SRC-VRA S.B. 492 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 492
78R636 SMJ-DBy: Shapleigh
Health & Human Services
3/10/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the state provides mental health services to children.
However, these services are often provided by entities such as Child
Protective Services, because many children are unable to access treatment
in more appropriate settings.  In order to better meet the growing need
for mental health services and to maximize the use of state dollars, the
coordination of all publicly funded children's mental health programs is
critical. As proposed, S.B. 492 would require the Health and Human
Services Commission to review and evaluate all sources of public funding
for programs in this state that provide mental health services to
children. 

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 Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to
review and evaluate all sources of public funding for programs in this
state that provide mental health services to children, including programs
provided by the juvenile justice system, the Department of Protective  and
Regulatory Services, the Texas Council on Offenders with Mental
Impairments, and the Texas Education Agency. 

(b)  Requires the evaluation to describe each program and the services it
provides, the sources of funding for the program, and the purposes for
which funds are used.  Requires the evaluation to include certain
information.  

(c)  Requires HHSC to report on the results of the evaluation to the 79th
Legislature not later than January 11, 2005.  

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