Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB5463

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to emergency detention of certain persons evidencing mental illness and to court-ordered inpatient and extended mental health services.

Impact

One of the key impacts of this bill is the clarification and enhancement of procedures around the notification of emergency detentions, ensuring that law enforcement and medical care align in their approach to such sensitive situations. The changes are designed to facilitate quicker responses and more cohesive documentation during the emergency detention process, directly affecting how such cases are managed within health facilities and law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, this bill would streamline the requirements for evaluating individuals, ultimately shaping the future handling of similar mental health emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 5463 focuses on the emergency detention of individuals exhibiting symptoms of mental illness who pose a substantial risk of harm to themselves or others. The bill proposes several amendments to Texas's Health and Safety Code, particularly addressing the identification and processing of individuals undergoing emergency detention due to mental health crises. It empowers peace officers and medical personnel to act swiftly in critical situations, reinforcing the need for immediate protective measures when a person's behavior presents clear signs of danger.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, HB 5463 may spark debate around patient rights and the balance between public safety and individual liberties. Notable points of contention may arise concerning how the amendments might affect the rights of individuals with mental illness and their treatment options. Critics could argue that the expanded powers for emergency detention could lead to potential overreach, impacting those in vulnerable positions without adequate safeguards against misuse of authority. The bill’s provisions for court-ordered treatment also raise questions regarding the extent of involuntary treatment and the implications for personal autonomy.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 573. Emergency Detention
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 012
    • Section: 022
  • Chapter 574. Court-ordered Mental Health Services
    • Section: 001
    • Section: 011
    • Section: 034
    • Section: 035
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX SB1164

Identical Relating to emergency detention of certain persons evidencing mental illness and to court-ordered inpatient and extended mental health services.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3904

Relating to emergency detention by a physician of certain persons with mental illness for preliminary examination at a facility.

TX SB2287

Relating to the authority of a peace officer to apprehend a person for emergency detention and the authority of certain facilities and physicians to temporarily detain a person with mental illness.

TX HB5210

Relating to the authority of a peace officer to apprehend a person for emergency detention and the authority of certain facilities and professionals to temporarily detain a person with mental illness.

TX HB466

Relating to the requirements for and compilation of certain emergency mental health detention records.

TX HB3986

Relating to the authority of a peace officer to apprehend a person for emergency detention and the authority of certain facilities and physicians to temporarily detain a person with mental illness.

TX HB2506

Relating to procedures applicable to the emergency detention of a person with mental illness at a mental health facility, including the detention, transportation, and transfer of the person and to certain best practices for courts with jurisdiction over emergency mental health matters.

TX SB1433

Relating to procedures for the emergency detention of certain persons with mental illness.

TX HB3504

Relating to an application for emergency detention, procedures regarding court-ordered mental health services, and certain rights of patients admitted to private mental hospitals and certain other mental health facilities.

TX HB1464

Relating to preliminary examination periods for mental health protective custody and the criteria for and duration of certain court-ordered mental health services.

TX HB726

Relating to the criteria for court-ordered inpatient and extended inpatient mental health services.

Similar Bills

TX SB1164

Relating to emergency detention of certain persons evidencing mental illness and to court-ordered inpatient and extended mental health services.

HI HB2788

Relating To Mental Health.

HI HB1718

Relating To Mental Health.

HI HB1225

Relating To Mental Health.

TX HB1947

Relating to the criteria for commitment or detention of a person with mental illness.

TX HB1938

Relating to preliminary examination periods for mental health protective custody and the criteria for and duration of certain court-ordered mental health services.

TX HB1464

Relating to preliminary examination periods for mental health protective custody and the criteria for and duration of certain court-ordered mental health services.

TX HB726

Relating to the criteria for court-ordered inpatient and extended inpatient mental health services.