Texas House Bill HB5473

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/14/25

Caption

Relating to certain interests of the Health and Human Services Commission in certain real property in Bexar County.

Impact

An important aspect of HB 5473 is the extension of the reversion period during which the center must use the properties for their intended purpose. The bill allows the commission to extend this period by one year, meaning the center has additional time to ensure the properties serve the community effectively. The Center is required to report quarterly to the commission on its use of the properties, fostering accountability and transparency in how these resources are managed.

Summary

House Bill 5473 addresses the interests of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in certain real properties located in Bexar County. The bill primarily focuses on the transfer of these properties to the Bexar County Board of Trustees for Mental Health Mental Retardation Services, also known as The Center for Health Care Services. By allowing this transfer, the bill aims to facilitate the provision of community-based mental health services and ensure that these properties are utilized for public purposes.

Contention

While the bill presents what seems to be a straightforward transfer of property for community use, there may be concerns about how effectively the properties will be utilized. The stipulation that ownership automatically reverts to the commission if the properties are not used in accordance with the agreement for more than 365 days raises questions about the center's capacity to maintain consistent service delivery. Critics may argue that such reversion clauses might undermine long-term planning for mental health services or raise issues regarding the sustainability of funding and resources.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 533. Powers And Duties Of Department Of State Health Services
  • Section: New Section

Natural Resources Code

• Chapter 31. General Land Office
  • Section: 1571
  • Section: 158