Texas Senate Bill SB1888

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to a requirement that a county report the number of certain persons with mental illness detained in that county's jail.

Impact

By requiring counties to report this information, SB1888 could significantly impact the way mental illness is addressed within local jails. The data collected may help the state to identify patterns of mental health detention and to allocate resources more effectively to address mental health needs in the criminal justice system. Additionally, this may lead to a broader discussion on the treatment of mental health in incarceration settings and encourage the development of programs aimed at mental health reform within the counties.

Summary

Senate Bill 1888 establishes a requirement for counties to report specific data concerning individuals with mental illness who are detained in county jails. This bill mandates that each county submit monthly reports to the state commission detailing the number of prisoners in their jails classified by various categories, including those with mental health issues. The collection of this data aims to improve understanding and oversight of mental health issues within the criminal justice system and to serve as a tool for evaluating how these individuals are treated and managed while incarcerated.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1888 appears to generally emphasize the importance of mental health awareness and accountability in the prison system. Supporters of the bill argue that such reporting is essential for fostering improved mental health care and support for inmates, thereby reducing recidivism rates linked to untreated mental health issues. However, there might be concerns about the administrative burden this places on counties, as some lawmakers and local authorities may feel that the reporting requirements could strain resources.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on mental health, there are points of contention that could arise during discussions in various legislative committees. Critics may argue about the feasibility of such data collection and the potential challenges of accurately categorizing and reporting mental health status among inmates. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the implications of this data collection on privacy and the ethical treatment of individuals with mental health conditions in custody.