AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

The goal of this legislation is to make it easier for Texas college students to connect with mental health services in their community.  It is also intended to promote cultural awareness and acceptance of students with behavioral health needs at institutions of higher education.

 

This legislation requires public institutions of higher education to post on the institution's website information about mental health resources available to the students, as well as the contact information and address for the local mental health authority.  There is no such requirement in current law.

 

H.B. 197 requires a public institution of higher education to post information regarding mental health resources on the institution's Internet website.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, by adding Section 51.9193, as follows:

 

Sec. 51.9193. REQUIRED POSTING OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES. (a) Defines "institution of higher education" and "local mental health authority."

 

(b) Requires each institution of higher education to create a web page on the institution's Internet website dedicated solely to information regarding the mental health resources available to students at the institution. Requires the web page to include the address of the nearest local mental health authority.

 

SECTION 2. Requires each public institution of higher education to post on its Internet website the information required by Section 51.9193, Education Code, as added by this Act as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act.

 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2015.