BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2813

By: Price

Public Health

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that a statewide behavioral health coordinating council was established in the General Appropriations Act enacted by the 84th Legislature and that it has efficiently and effectively coordinated collaborative efforts of its members to improve mental health and behavioral health programs and other related strategies. But concerns have been raised regarding the council's functions not being codified in general law. H.B. 2813 seeks to permanently establish the council in statute.

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

H.B. 2813 amends the Government Code to establish the statewide behavioral health coordinating council to ensure a strategic statewide approach to behavioral health services. The bill sets out the composition of the council and provides for its administration and operation. The bill sets out the council's powers and duties, which are:

· requiring the council to develop and monitor the implementation of a five-year statewide behavioral health strategic plan;

· requiring the council to develop a biennial coordinated statewide behavioral health expenditure proposal;

· authorizing the council to create subcommittees to carry out the council's duties; and

· authorizing the council to oversee the administration of state and federal funding, including grants, involving behavioral and mental health in Texas.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2019.