By: Coleman H.B. No. 4142
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to counties and other governmental entities operations
regarding behavioral health.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 571.014, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by amending Subsection (c) to read as follows:
(c) A person may initially file a paper with the county
clerk by the use of reproduced, photocopied, or electronically
transmitted paper if the person files the original signed copies of
the paper with the clerk not later than the 72nd hour after the hour
on which the initial filing is made. If the 72-hour period ends on a
Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the filing period is extended
until 4 p.m. on the first succeeding business day. If extremely
hazardous weather conditions exist or a disaster occurs, the
presiding judge or magistrate may by written order made each day
extend the filing period until 4 p.m. on the first succeeding
business day. The written order must declare that an emergency
exists because of the weather or the occurrence of a disaster. If a
person detained under this subtitle would otherwise be released
because the original signed copy of a paper is not filed within the
72-hour period but for the extension of the filing period under this
section, the person may be detained until the expiration of the
extended filing period. This subsection does not affect another
provision of this subtitle requiring the release or discharge of a
person. If the paper is filed by the use of reproduced,
photocopied, or electronically transmitted paper, the person shall
maintain the original paper and shall provide it to the parties or
the court upon request.
SECTION 2. Section 571.013, Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 571.013. METHOD OF GIVING NOTICE. Except as otherwise
provided by this subtitle, notice required under this subtitle may
be given by a constable or sheriff delivering a copy of the notice
or document in person or in another manner directed by the court
that is reasonably calculated to give actual notice.
SECTION 3. Section 1701.310, Occupations Code, is amended
by amending Subsections (a) to read as follows:
Sec. 1701.310. APPOINTMENT OF COUNTY JAILER; TRAINING
REQUIRED. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (e), a person may
not be appointed as a county jailer, except on a temporary basis,
unless the person has satisfactorily completed a preparatory
training program which includes 24 hours of training to facilitate
interaction with persons with mental impairments
, as required by
the commission, in the operation of a county jail at a school
operated or licensed by the commission.
SECTION 4. Section 161.325, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:
(b-1) The program on the list must include components that
provide for training counselors, teachers, nurses, administrators,
and other staff, as well as law enforcement officers and social
workers who regularly interact with students, to recognize students
displaying signs of physical or emotional trauma.
(1) intervene effectively with students described by
this subdivision by providing notice and referral to a parent or
guardian so appropriate action, such as seeking mental health or
substance abuse services, may be taken by a parent or guardian.
SECTION 5. Section 161.325, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by adding Subsections (c-3) and (c-4) to read as follows:
(c-3) Each school district shall report annually to the
Texas Education Agency:
(1) the number of teachers, principals, and counselors
employed by the district who have completed training under this
section; and
(2) the total number of teachers, principals, and
counselors employed by the district.
(c-4) The Texas Education Agency shall make the information
reported under Subsection (c-3) available to the public on the
agency's Internet website.
SECTION 6. Chapter 571, Health and Safety Code is amended by
adding Articles 571.0161 to read as follows:
Sec. 571.0161. MENTAL HEALTH PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE. (a)
A court may with permission of the commissioners court create a
mental health public defender's office. A mental health public
defender of such office may be appointed by the court in lieu of a
private attorney.
SECTION 7. The following provision of the Health and Safety
Code are repealed:
(1) Article 571.014(d).
SECTION 8. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.