BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.S.B. 1305

By: Menéndez

Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Statistics have shown that of Texas' sizeable population of veterans, approximately 30 percent live in rural areas that, interested parties note, have limited or no access to mental health services. The parties assert that veterans in these areas have been historically underserved in this capacity and that it is important that these veterans not be forgotten or ignored. C.S.S.B. 1305 seeks to address the shortage of mental health care for veterans in rural areas of Texas.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

C.S.S.B. 1305 amends the Health and Safety Code, as amended by S.B. 219, Acts of the 84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015, to require the Department of State Health Services to develop a rural veterans mental health initiative as part of the mental health intervention program for veterans.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.

COMPARISON OF SENATE ENGROSSED AND SUBSTITUTE

C.S.S.B. 1305 differs from the engrossed in minor or nonsubstantive ways to conform to changes made by S.B. 219, Acts of the 84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015, which became effective April 2, 2015.