Relating to certain interests of the Health and Human Services Commission in certain real property in Bexar County.
Impact
An important aspect of HB 5473 is the extension of the reversion period during which the center must use the properties for their intended purpose. The bill allows the commission to extend this period by one year, meaning the center has additional time to ensure the properties serve the community effectively. The Center is required to report quarterly to the commission on its use of the properties, fostering accountability and transparency in how these resources are managed.
Summary
House Bill 5473 addresses the interests of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in certain real properties located in Bexar County. The bill primarily focuses on the transfer of these properties to the Bexar County Board of Trustees for Mental Health Mental Retardation Services, also known as The Center for Health Care Services. By allowing this transfer, the bill aims to facilitate the provision of community-based mental health services and ensure that these properties are utilized for public purposes.
Contention
While the bill presents what seems to be a straightforward transfer of property for community use, there may be concerns about how effectively the properties will be utilized. The stipulation that ownership automatically reverts to the commission if the properties are not used in accordance with the agreement for more than 365 days raises questions about the center's capacity to maintain consistent service delivery. Critics may argue that such reversion clauses might undermine long-term planning for mental health services or raise issues regarding the sustainability of funding and resources.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Health And Safety Code
Chapter 533. Powers And Duties Of Department Of State Health Services
Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.
Relating to the terminology used in statute to refer to intellectual disability and certain references to abolished health and human services agencies.
Relating to the terminology used in statute to refer to intellectual disability and certain references to abolished health and human services agencies.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.