Texas House Bill HB1578

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to establishing the Mental Health Crisis and Suicide Prevention Task Force.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly influence state mental health provisions by potentially establishing a designated N-1-1 dial code for mental health crises. This could enhance accessibility to mental health resources statewide and ensure that immediate support is available to those in urgent need. The task force will also be responsible for analyzing the implications of a statewide dial code in comparison to existing resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Summary

House Bill 1578 aims to establish the Mental Health Crisis and Suicide Prevention Task Force in Texas. The task force is designed to study the efficacy and feasibility of creating a statewide mental health crisis line intended to provide immediate support for individuals experiencing mental health crises. It consists of a diverse group of stakeholders, including members from the legislature and experts in mental health, appointed to lead the initiative.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on improving mental health crisis response in Texas, potential points of contention may arise regarding funding and resource allocation. The task force's ability to secure necessary funding and grants will be crucial in implementing and maintaining the outlined mental health services. Additionally, stakeholders might debate the logistics and effectiveness of adopting a new dialing code, weighing it against current services and their reach.