Bill: SB 1507, 84(R) - 2015

Committee

Senate Health & Human Services

Companion Bill

HB 2023

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral

Author(s)

Sylvia Garcia

Bill Caption

Relating to the appointment of a forensic director responsible for statewide coordination and oversight of forensic mental health services overseen by the Department of State Health Services.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. It is assumed that the Department of State Health Services could absorb the costs associated with implementation of the bill within existing resources.

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

The bill would amend Chapter 532 of the Health and Safety Code to require the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to appoint a forensic director responsible for statewide coordination and oversight of forensic services. The bill would require that the forensic director to have proven expertise in forensic services.

 

The bill would also require DSHS to create a workgroup of experts and stakeholders to issue a report of recommendations concerning the creation of a comprehensive plan for coordination of forensic services. The report would be due to the Legislative Budget Board no later than July 1, 2016.

Vote Recommendation Notes

The purpose of the bill is to address the hospital capacity crisis in Texas’ mental health system. A forensic director would help ensure proper placement of patients committed to state mental health hospitals through criminal proceedings. The forensic director would also be able to help identify and address deficiencies in the provision of forensic services. The forensic director would also ensure that state resources are appropriately applied to the forensic population, that individuals do not have to wait extended periods for needed services, and that forensic operations are streamlined and best practices are adopted statewide.


This legislation would help to alleviate pressure on the state's hospital capacity crisis. We support SB 1507 because it utilizes existing department resources to address inefficiencies within the mental health system.

Organizations Supporting

Texas Public Policy Foundation

Source URL (retrieved on 03/28/2024 03:03 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/sb1507?print_view=true