HBA-MPM S.B. 153 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 153
By: Harris
Public Health
4/7/1999
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Current law requires a county to pay court costs for involuntary mental
health commitments.  A county is authorized to seek reimbursement from
patients or persons responsible for a patient's estate.  A number of
counties charge court costs to a mental health facility designated to
provide court-ordered mental health services.  S.B. 153 prohibits a county
from requiring a mental health facility to pay any costs associated with an
involuntary mental health commitment hearing or proceeding. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 571.018, Health and Safety Code, by adding
Subsection (j), as follows: 

(j)  Prohibits a county from requiring a mental health facility designated
to provide courtordered mental health services to pay a cost associated
with a hearing or proceeding under this subtitle (Subtitle C (Texas Mental
Health Code), Chapter 571 (General Provisions), Health and Safety Code).   

SECTION 2.Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.