Texas House Bill HB3692

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/26/11
• Introduced: 3/11/11
• Refer: 3/23/11
• Report Pass: 4/14/11

Caption

Relating to peace officer interaction with persons with mental illness and to a person's incompetency to stand trial.

Impact

The bill also amends existing laws regarding the determination of a defendant's competency to stand trial. It simplifies the process by allowing any suggestion of incompetency to initiate an informal inquiry without requiring additional evidentiary support at the start. This change is intended to streamline judicial processes related to mental health and competency by making it more accessible for claims of incompetency to be examined by the courts.

Summary

House Bill 3692 focuses on the interaction between peace officers and individuals with mental illnesses. It establishes procedures for officers responding to emergency calls to identify if individuals involved may have a mental illness. If an officer suspects that a person does not pose an immediate threat, they are required to notify local mental health authorities and may provide assistance or take the person into custody depending on the situation. This provision aims to ensure that individuals with mental health issues receive appropriate care rather than being treated solely as criminal suspects.

Conclusion

HB 3692 is part of a broader attempt to address mental health issues within the criminal justice system, emphasizing the need for better coordination between law enforcement and mental health services. Effective implementation of this legislation will require ongoing training and resources to ensure that both officers and those with mental illnesses are treated justly and with consideration for their rights and wellbeing.

Contention

Despite its positive intentions, the bill has raised concerns about implementation and training. The required training for law enforcement officers will now include modules specific to handling cases involving mental illness, which supporters argue is necessary for better outcomes in interactions between police and individuals in crisis. However, critics worry about the adequacy of such training and whether it will sufficiently prepare officers to handle complex mental health situations appropriately.