Texas House Bill HB1751

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 1/26/23

Caption

Relating to the collection and reporting of certain information regarding mental health jail diversion.

Impact

The passage of HB 1751 would significantly affect state laws concerning law enforcement practices. If enacted, the bill mandates regular reporting of incidents involving persons with known or suspected mental health issues, thereby formalizing data collection processes that could lead to more informed policy decisions. The law enforcement agencies would need to adapt their protocols to comply with these new reporting requirements, creating an infrastructure for better tracking of mental health cases in the context of the criminal justice system.

Summary

House Bill 1751, introduced by Jones of Harris, seeks to enhance the collection and reporting of information related to mental health during police interactions, particularly arrests. The bill proposes amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, requiring law enforcement agencies to compile and analyze incident-based data, including encounters with individuals suspected of having mental health issues or intellectual disabilities. This initiative aims to improve transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices when dealing with vulnerable populations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1751 appears to be largely positive, especially among mental health advocates and organizations focused on reforming police practices. Supporters argue that the bill will lead to better outcomes for individuals facing mental health crises by promoting diversion from jail and ensuring appropriate treatment. However, there may also be concerns regarding the implementation of these data collection protocols and how they may affect the workload of law enforcement agencies.

Contention

Some notable points of contention may arise regarding the specifics of the data that law enforcement agencies are required to report, including how detailed this information should be and the potential privacy implications for individuals involved. Furthermore, discussions may focus on the balance between promoting effective mental health interventions and ensuring that the rights of individuals are respected during these procedures. Critics may also question whether the bill addresses the root causes of mental health crises in the community or merely shifts responsibility onto law enforcement.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Code Of Criminal Procedure

• Chapter 2. General Duties Of Officers
  • Section: 134
  • Section: New Section

Occupations Code

• Chapter 1. General Provisions
  • Section: New Section

Government Code

• Chapter 511. Commission On Jail Standards
  • Section: 0101