Honorable Jane Nelson, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1889 by Eltife (Relating to the transport of a mental health patient who is not a resident of this state.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Chapter 571 of the Health and Safety Code relating to the transport of a mental health patient who is not a resident of this state. The bill would allow the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to enter into reciprocal agreements with state or local authorities to facilitate the return of persons committed to mental health facilities to the state of their residence. Under the provisions of the bill, the state returning the committed patient to another state would bear the costs, unless the state agrees to share costs under the reciprocal agreement. DSHS indicates that the provisions of the bill can be implemented within existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.