Honorable Jim Murphy, Chair, House Committee on Corrections
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2597 by Reynolds (Relating to the creation of a mental health treatment for incarceration diversion pilot program.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Health and Safety Code as it relates to the creation of a mental health jail diversion pilot program. Under the provisions of the bill, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) shall coordinate with the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court to implement a pilot program in Fort Bend County for the purpose of reducing jail recidivism among persons with mental illness in the community. The bill would require that the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court contribute funding to the program that is equivalent to the value of the funds provided by the state for the program. The bill would also require DSHS to perform inspections of the services offered through the pilot program to ensure funds are used effectively.
The bill requires DSHS to evaluate the program and submit a report to the legislature by December 1, 2018. The pilot program would expire on September 1, 2019.
Local Government Impact
There will be a cost to Fort Bend County to comply with the provisions of the bill. Department of State Health Services estimates that the amount for matching funds will be $174,386 in fiscal year 2016, and $232,514 in fiscal year 2017 for both DSHS and Fort Bend County.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 529 Health and Human Services Commission, 537 State Health Services, Department of