Texas House Bill HB39

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

• Filed: 11/12/12

Caption

Relating to extending a local behavioral health intervention pilot project.

Impact

If enacted, HB 39 will amend existing sections of the Texas Government Code to allow for the pilot project to be further evaluated beyond its original expiration date of September 1, 2023. By mandating that involved parties submit thorough reports every two years, the bill facilitates continued research and monitoring of behavioral health interventions. This could potentially lead to enhanced support and funding for mental health initiatives across Texas, thus influencing state laws and policies related to mental health care.

Summary

House Bill 39 seeks to extend the local behavioral health intervention pilot project that was initially established under House Bill 1232 during the 81st Legislature. The main objective of the bill is to continue assessing the effectiveness of this intervention in improving mental health outcomes at the local level. The bill requires the local mental health authority participating in the pilot project to submit periodic reports to the relevant state department, detailing the project's efficacy and providing recommendations based on their findings. The proposed extension aims to gather more comprehensive data and insights before making any long-term decisions regarding the intervention's future.

Contention

There are expected to be discussions surrounding the continued funding and resources allocated to the behavioral health intervention pilot project. While proponents are likely to emphasize the importance of ongoing mental health initiatives and their benefits to communities, opponents may raise concerns about the allocation of state funds and whether the pilot project has conclusively shown positive results. This can lead to debates around prioritizing mental health funding against other crucial public services, highlighting the complexities of state budget management.