86R19234 MAW-F

By: Allen H.B. No. 2168

Substitute the following for H.B. No. 2168:

By: White C.S.H.B. No. 2168

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a trauma history screening for certain defendants and inmates.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 501, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 501.070 to read as follows:

Sec. 501.070. TRAUMA HISTORY SCREENING. The department shall:

(1) screen each inmate during the diagnostic process to determine whether the inmate has experienced adverse childhood experiences or other significant trauma; and

(2) refer any inmate exhibiting symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or other symptoms of trauma as needed to the appropriate medical or mental health care professional for treatment.

SECTION 2. Chapter 509, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 509.0042 to read as follows:

Sec. 509.0042. TRAUMA HISTORY SCREENING. The division shall require each department to:

(1) screen each defendant at the time of the defendant's initial placement on community supervision to determine whether the defendant has experienced adverse childhood experiences or other significant trauma; and

(2) refer any defendant exhibiting symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or other symptoms of trauma as needed to the appropriate medical or mental health care professional for treatment.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.