LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 4, 2005

TO:	Honorable Suzanna Gratia Hupp, Chair, House Committee on Human Services
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB3067 by Raymond (Relating to the transportation of certain mental health patients. ), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Section 574.045 (a) of the Health and Safety Code, relating to transportation of certain mental health patients.  The bill would designate the priority order of parties responsible for the transportation of patients committed to a mental health facility.  The priority order would be as follows: 1) a special officer for mental health assignment 2) the mental health facility administrator 3) the local mental health authority 4) a relative or other responsible person, and 5) the sheriff or constable.

The bill would take effect September 1, 2005.

The Department of State Health Services anticipates no fiscal impact from the bill.  The agency states that, should the facility not be able to provide transportation, the burden shifts to the next responsible party.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

537 Department of State Health Services, 539 Department of Aging and Disability Services

LBB Staff:

JOB, KF, CL, PP, MB