Texas House Bill HB4110

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to grants to establish or expand community collaboratives for services to persons experiencing homelessness or mental illness and county government planning for community collaboratives.

Impact

The bill's passage would amend the Government Code, specifically targeting sections 539.002 and 539.0051, to incentivize the establishment of community collaboratives. These collaboratives will serve as a coordinated effort among local mental health authorities, law enforcement, and community organizations to address the needs of individuals facing homelessness and mental health challenges. By implementing requirements for leveraging private funding and demonstrating community coordination, the bill seeks to create sustainable models for assisting those in need.

Summary

House Bill 4110 aims to establish a framework for grants to develop or expand community collaboratives that provide services to individuals experiencing homelessness or mental illness. The bill requires the Texas Department of Health and Human Services to allocate funding to various entities—including local governments and nonprofit organizations—promoting collaborative efforts across public and private sectors. This initiative intends to enhance the support system for vulnerable populations, integrating mental health services with law enforcement and community resources.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 4110 appears to be supportive among stakeholders who advocate for enhanced mental health services and homelessness prevention strategies. Proponents argue that the collaborative model will lead to more effective resource allocation and improved outcomes for affected individuals. However, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of funding and the ability of local governments to successfully implement these collaboratives.

Contention

A notable point of contention is the requirement for counties to develop concrete plans detailing their approach to forming or expanding community collaboratives. Some members may question whether the grant allocation process will be equitable and sufficient for all regions, particularly in less populated counties. Additionally, the involvement of local law enforcement in diversion strategies has raised discussions about the adequacy of mental health training and resources available to first responders.