Bill Caption

Relating to mental health services development plans as updated by Health and Human Services Commission and local mental health authority groups. 

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

SB 454 would require the health and human services commission to require each local mental health authority group to meet at least quarterly to collaborate on planning and implementing regional strategies to reduce: 

• costs to local governments
• transportation to mental health facilities
• incarceration of persons with mental illness in county jails in the area
• visits by persons with mental illness at hospital emergency rooms

SB 454 would further require the commission to use federal funds with state and federal guidelines for implementing SB 454. The commission, with each local mental health authority group, would be required to update the mental health services development plan. This plan would have to include a description of actions taken by the group to implement the plan's strategies, and new strategies identified by the group to address their goals. The most recent version of this plan would be posted by December 1 of each year by the health and human services commission on their website.

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 454 would place the Health and Human Services Commission in charge of collecting information from local health organizations in order to understand the mental health services in the state. As it stands, Texas Action is neutral towards SB 454. However, there is a concern that such a policy could become too invasive in the health industry and potentially infringe on an individual's liberty.