Texas Senate Bill SB1390

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to a grant program for municipal or county mental health crisis response team programs.

Impact

The proposed legislation modifies the Government Code by adding a new section dedicated to establishing this grant program. By providing grants to local governments, the bill enhances the capacity of municipalities and counties to operate crisis response teams. This funding can be pivotal in ensuring that local agencies can adequately support mental health services, especially for those encountering crises, which is increasingly recognized as a critical service in response to rising mental health issues in communities.

Summary

Senate Bill 1390 introduces a grant program aimed at supporting municipal and county mental health crisis response teams. This initiative emphasizes the importance of immediate mental health intervention for individuals experiencing crises, ensuring that appropriate services can be mobilized quickly. The program is designed to fund municipal or county-operated mental health crisis response teams, which may include professionals from various backgrounds such as law enforcement and healthcare, working collaboratively to address mental health emergencies effectively.

Contention

Stakeholders may hold differing views on SB 1390 concerning the allocation of state resources and the potential effectiveness of funded programs. Some may argue that the funding of mental health crisis response teams is a necessary response to an often-overlooked area where immediate intervention can prevent escalation of crises. However, concerns may arise regarding the assessment requirements for municipalities to qualify for grants, as well as the potential for disparities in funding based on the perceived need across different communities. These points of contention highlight the broader discussions about mental health policy and resource distribution in Texas.