81R276 UM-F
By: Raymond H.B. No. 1743
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the transportation of certain mental health patients.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 574.045(a), Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(a) The court may authorize, in the following order of
priority, the transportation of a committed patient or a patient
detained under Section 573.022 or 574.023 to the designated mental
health facility by:
(1) a special officer for mental health assignment
certified under Section 1701.404, Occupations Code [a relative or
other responsible person who has a proper interest in the patient's
welfare and who receives no remuneration, except for actual and
necessary expenses];
(2) the facility administrator of the designated
mental health facility, unless [if] the administrator notifies the
court that facility personnel are not available to transport the
patient;
(3) [a special officer for mental health assignment
certified under Section 1701.404, Occupations Code;
[(4)] a representative of the local mental health
authority, who shall be reimbursed by the county;
(4) a relative or other responsible person who has a
proper interest in the patient's welfare and who receives no
remuneration, except for actual and necessary expenses; or
(5) the sheriff or constable[, if no person is
available under Subdivision (1), (2), (3), or (4)].
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.