BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	C.S.S.B. 397
85R24333 JG-D	By: Kolkhorst
	Health & Human Services
	4/21/2017
	Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

County sheriffs increasingly find themselves at the nexus of mental health issues in the state. Individuals with mental health issues often find themselves confined to a county jailhouse after an episode related to their condition. Further, county sheriffs are often unaware of or unable to access needed mental health services that could be offered by their local mental health authorities (LMHA).

 

C.S.S.B. 397 promotes better cooperation between county law enforcement and LMHAs in order to identify and facilitate the appropriate mental health services and settings for those who need it the most.

 

C.S.S.B. 397 amends current law relating to the consultation policies of local mental health authorities with respect to sheriffs and their representatives.

 

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 Section 533.035, Health and Safety Code, by adding Subsection (b-1), as follows:

 

(b-1) Requires a local mental health authority to, at least once per year, consult with the sheriff or a representative of the sheriff of each county in the local authority's service area regarding the use of the funds received under Subsection (b) (relating to the disbursement to a local mental health authority of federal and state funds to be spent in the local service area for certain purposes).

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2017.