79R1981 UM-D

By:  Duncan                                                       S.B. No. 307



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to persons who participate in a mental health court 
program.       
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 616.002, Health and Safety Code, is 
amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 616.002.  AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH PROGRAM.  The 
commissioners court of a county may establish a mental health court 
program for persons who:
		(1)  have been arrested for or charged with a 
misdemeanor or felony; and
		(2)  are suspected by a law enforcement agency or a 
court of having a mental illness or mental retardation.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2005.