Bill Caption

Relating to certain notice requirements and filing requirements in court proceedings involving person with mental illness and representation of proposed patients in proceedings for court-ordered mental health services. 

Fiscal Notes

From the LBB: No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

This bill would adjust filing requirements in mental health cases including that if a paper is filed by use of copied, reproduced, or electronically transmitted paper the person would be required to maintain the original copy and provide it to parties or the court upon request. This bill would also allow a court to create a mental health public defender’s office and have attorneys from that office appointed by the court in lieu of a private attorney. The court would be required to appoint an attorney associated with a mental health public defender's office, a private attorney, or public defender not associated with a mental health defender's office to represent a proposed patient under the subtitle.  The court would also be able to order the county to pay the court approved costs of the attorney representing a proposed patient that the court determines to be indigent. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill would make numerous procedural changes and create one new voluntary provision that would allow a county to establish a mental health public defender's office. This bill does not appear to have a connection to our liberty principles and we remain neutral on SB 1912.