80R10245 UM-D
 
  By: McClendon, Menendez, et al. H.B. No. 2524
 
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of a pilot project to construct a
public safety triage and detoxification unit and the provision of
mental health and substance abuse treatment.
       BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
       SECTION 1.  (a) The Department of State Health Services
shall develop a pilot project in Bexar County to address jail
overcrowding by diverting persons with mental illness or substance
abuse problems to inpatient and outpatient services using a public
safety triage and detoxification unit.
       (b)  In developing the pilot project, the department shall:
             (1)  assist in the construction of a public safety
triage and detoxification unit through which inpatient and
outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment services may
be administered; and
             (2)  contract with the Bexar County local mental health
and mental retardation authority or an appropriate nonprofit
foundation for the provision of mental health and substance abuse
assessment and treatment services, including services for dual
diagnosis disorders, to persons with mental illnesses and substance
abuse problems or both who are homeless or referred to the pilot
project through a jail diversion program.
       (c)  The department, participating local mental health
authorities, prosecutorial agencies, law enforcement agencies,
jail facilities, courts, county or municipal governments,
appropriate nonprofit foundations, and providers of psychiatric
services may enter into agreements regarding the procedures to
follow in implementing the project and the duties of each
participating entity.
       (d)  Not later than November 1, 2008, the department shall
submit to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the
house of representatives a report regarding:
             (1)  the quality of the services provided through the
pilot project;
             (2)  the cost-effectiveness of providing mental health
and substance abuse services in coordination with a jail diversion
program;
             (3)  recommendations for establishing similar programs
throughout the state; and
             (4)  any other relevant information as determined by
the department.
       (e)  This section expires September 1, 2009.
       SECTION 2.  If before implementing any provision of this Act
a state agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a
federal agency is necessary for implementation of that provision,
the agency affected by the provision shall request the waiver or
authorization and may delay implementing that provision until the
waiver or authorization is granted.
       SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.