Honorable Lois W. Kolkhorst, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB719 by Eckhardt (Relating to a study regarding available beds at inpatient mental health facilities providing acute psychiatric treatment.), As Introduced
Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB719, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($1,500,000) through the biennium ending August 31, 2027.
The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.
General Revenue-Related Funds, Five- Year Impact:
Fiscal Year
Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2026
($1,500,000)
2027
$0
2028
$0
2029
$0
2030
$0
All Funds, Five-Year Impact:
Fiscal Year
Probable Savings/(Cost) from General Revenue Fund 1
2026
($1,500,000)
2027
$0
2028
$0
2029
$0
2030
$0
Fiscal Analysis
The bill would require the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to conduct a study regarding the availability of beds at inpatient mental health facilities in Texas that provide acute inpatient psychiatric treatment, including the current number of available beds, the current number of patients admitted to the facilities, the projected need over the next several years for additional psychiatric beds, and the current and anticipated resources needed to meet inpatient demands. The bill would authorize HHSC to collaborate with institutions of higher education that award medical degrees to complete the study. The bill would require HHSC to submit a written report to the legislature containing the results of the study and recommendations for legislative or other action by September 1, 2026.
Methodology
This analysis assumes that HHSC would contract with an institution of higher education to complete the study due to the amount of coordination and data required to complete the study. According to information provided by HHSC, the study is assumed to cost $1,500,000 in General Revenue in fiscal year 2026. It is assumed HHSC can implement other provisions of the bill within existing resources.
Local Government Impact
Certain local entities, such as local mental and behavioral health authorities, could experience a fiscal impact to provide data required to complete the study.