Texas Senate Bill SB937

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

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

Impact

Should SB937 become law, it would significantly streamline the processes related to the emergency detention and treatment of individuals with mental health issues. It prescribes conditions under which a facility can detain someone, particularly if they express the desire to leave before treatment is completed and pose a risk to themselves or others. The bill introduces a mechanism whereby a facility can hold a person for a maximum of four hours pending appropriate treatment or transfer to a law enforcement authority, thus potentially preventing harm during critical situations.

Summary

Senate Bill 937 aims to enhance the legal framework governing the emergency detention of individuals with mental illnesses in Texas. The bill ensures that peace officers have the authority to apprehend individuals for emergency detention based on their mental health needs. The existing statutes have been amended to define which facilities, such as mental health facilities and licensed hospitals, have the capability to temporarily detain a person showing signs of mental illness. This legislative action is intended to improve the response to mental health crises, ensuring that individuals receive timely and appropriate care.

Conclusion

In summary, SB937 represents a proactive approach to addressing mental health emergencies within Texas, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for effective, compassionate responses to mental health crises. Its enactment is likely to bolster existing laws by ensuring that peace officers and medical facilities are better equipped to handle emergency situations while also emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of individuals undergoing treatment.

Contention

The discussions surrounding this bill highlight points of contention regarding the balance between individual rights and public safety. While proponents argue that the bill fills gaps in the mental health care system by providing law enforcement and medical facilities with clear guidelines, critics may express concerns over the possibility of misuse of authority. The stipulation that individuals may be detained against their will shortly after expressing a desire to leave raises ethical questions about consent and autonomy, reflecting ongoing debates in mental health policy.