BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.B. 307

79R1981 UM-D                                                                                                              By: Duncan

                                                                                                                                   Criminal Justice

3/17/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, mental health court programs are limited to misdemeanor defendants when such a program might be appropriate in many felony cases. 

As proposed, S.B. 307 expands the ability of a county to set up a mental health court program to include felonies as well as misdemeanors. 

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.  Amends Section 616.002, Health and Safety Code, as follows:

            Sec. 616.002.  AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH PROGRAM.  Authorizes the commissioners court of a county to establish a mental health court program to include persons who have been arrested for or charged with a felony.  

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2005.