Amend CSHB 1 on page II-69, following the appropriations to the Department of State Health Services, by striking Rider 67 and substituting the following:

67. Data Collection and Reporting and Local Mental Health Authorities. Out of funds appropriated above in Goal B, Community Health Services, it is the intent of the Legislature that the Department of State Health Services establish, to the fullest extent provided by law, a fair and equitable process to allocate appropriated funds for community mental health services through contracts with local mental health authorities. The contracts shall provide outcome measures to guide local authorities and the appointed boards of the local authorities.

It is the intent of the Legislature that contract reporting requirements are limited to performance on the established outcome measures and that, to the fullest extent provided by law, the Department of State Health Services provide a local mental health authority flexibility to design and deliver mental health services in the most cost-effective and appropriate manner, based on the needs and priorities of the communities that the authority serves.

It is the intent of the Legislature that the Department of State Health Services ensure, to the fullest extent provided by law, that appointed boards for local mental health authorities remain accountable to county commissioners courts or other sponsoring agencies and that the department address through the appointed boards any significant performance concerns regarding local mental health authorities and the value and effectiveness of local control.

It is the intent of the Legislature that, to the fullest extent allowed by law, financial penalties or sanctions relating to performance are limited and are imposed only after all other remedies through the local structure have been exhausted.