Texas House Bill HB890

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/6/09
• Voted on by House: 4/15/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/7/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/21/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Report Pass: 5/7/09
• Enrolled: 5/25/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the terminology used to describe certain judicial officers.

Impact

The impact of HB890 on state laws is primarily focused on clarifying the designation and responsibilities of associate judges who preside over proceedings for court-ordered mental health services. By changing the terminology, the bill seeks to enhance the legal framework governing these services and reduce potential confusion in the interpretation of laws related to mental health and the legal system. This may facilitate a smoother process for both judicial officers and individuals subject to judicial oversight.

Summary

House Bill 890 (HB890) aims to amend certain sections of the Texas Government Code and Health and Safety Code to clarify and update the terminology used for judicial officers, particularly those referred to as 'masters'. This bill proposes that the term 'master' be replaced with 'associate judge' in various legal contexts, reflecting a more current understanding of the roles of these judicial officers in the administration of mental health services. The initiative signifies an effort to standardize legal language and improve clarity in judicial proceedings.

Contention

While the bill has been generally perceived as a straightforward update to legal terminology, there may be underlying contentions related to its implications for judicial authority and the functioning of mental health services. Legal practitioners and mental health advocates might express differing views on whether such changes are necessary or if they adequately reflect the complexities involved in mental health law. Further, concerns might arise regarding how these changes affect existing protocols and whether they will lead to improvements in the treatment of mental health cases within the legal system.