Relating to the transfer of functions relating to certain veteran mental health programs and plans to the Texas Veterans Commission.
Impact
The bill significantly impacts state laws concerning the administration of mental health programs for veterans. By transferring the responsibilities to the Texas Veterans Commission, the bill centralizes the management of these essential programs, which could facilitate more effective use of resources and tailored services for the veteran community. It also introduces new initiatives like the women veterans mental health initiative and a rural veterans mental health initiative, aimed at addressing the specific needs of underserved populations. Furthermore, it creates pathways for funding community mental health programs through a matching grant system, reinforcing a collaborative approach among local organizations.
Summary
House Bill 114 aims to enhance mental health services for veterans by transferring specific responsibilities and functions related to veteran mental health programs from the Health and Human Services Commission to the Texas Veterans Commission. This transition is expected to streamline the delivery of mental health services and improve the overall coordination of programs tailored for veterans, including peer-to-peer counseling and training for veterans' families. The emphasis on veterans' mental health is especially crucial, given the challenges they face and the need for better access to mental health care services.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 114 is largely positive, particularly among veterans' advocacy groups and legislators who understand the pressing need for improved mental health services for veterans. The discussions around the bill emphasized its potential to make meaningful changes in how veterans are served. However, there are noteworthy concerns regarding the adequacy of funding and the transition process, which some members fear might disrupt the continuity of care during the transfer of services. Overall, the bill has garnered broad support, reflected in its unanimous passage through both legislative chambers.
Contention
Despite the overall support for the bill, some concerns were raised regarding the expedited transfer of programs and the potential for overlapping responsibilities between state agencies. Critics have emphasized the importance of ensuring that the transition does not lead to service gaps or diminish the quality of care currently available to veterans. The establishment of a comprehensive veteran suicide prevention action plan as part of the bill further indicates a recognition of the urgent need to address this pressing issue, underscoring the legislation’s intent to create a strategic and coordinated approach to veteran health care.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Government Code
Chapter 434. Veteran Assistance Agencies
Section: New Section
Section: 352
Section: New Section
Section: 352
Section: New Section
Section: 352
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 531. Health And Human Services Commission
Section: 0925
Section: 0992
Section: 0925
Section: 0992
Chapter 547. Mental Health And Substance Use Services
Same As
Relating to the transition of certain veterans' mental health initiatives from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to the Texas Veterans Commission.
Identical
Relating to the transition of certain veterans' mental health initiatives from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to the Texas Veterans Commission.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to required military informed care or military cultural competency training for certain personnel of entities that provide mental health services to veterans or veterans' families before award of a state agency grant.
Relating to the continuity of services received by individuals receiving services at state hospitals and state supported living centers, the establishment of a pilot program to provide behavioral health or psychiatric services to certain residential care facility residents, and court orders for psychoactive medication for certain patients.
In court-ordered involuntary treatment of certain sexually violent persons, providing for court-ordered involuntary treatment of certain persons for controlled substance addiction; imposing duties on the Department of Human Services; and making editorial changes.
Relating to the provision of certain investigational stem cell treatments to patients with certain severe chronic diseases or terminal illnesses and regulating the possession, use, and transfer of adult stem cells; creating a criminal offense.