Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB899

Filed

11/12/24

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the administration of medication to certain persons in the custody of a sheriff.

Impact

If enacted, HB 899 would have a substantial impact on how medication is managed for individuals being transitioned out of competency restoration programs under sheriff supervision. By mandating the continued administration of prescribed medications, the bill aims to prevent interruptions in treatment that could adversely affect a defendant's mental health or complicate their court proceedings. This change reinforces the importance of seamless healthcare transition for individuals in the criminal justice system, particularly those with mental health issues.

Summary

House Bill 899 focuses on the administration of medication to certain individuals in the custody of a sheriff, including those discharged from various competency restoration programs. The bill amends Article 46B.0825 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to clarify the responsibilities of sheriffs in ensuring that defendants receive prescribed medications upon discharge. It particularly emphasizes the continuity of care for individuals on psychotropic medications, requiring sheriffs to continue administering these medications unless instructed otherwise by a qualified physician.

Contention

Despite its intentions, there are potential points of contention surrounding HB 899. The requirement for sheriffs to administer medication raises questions about resource allocation and the training necessary for deputies to handle such responsibilities effectively. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding the implications for defendants' rights and the quality of care they receive during their time in custody. Critics could argue that the bill places an additional burden on law enforcement officials who may not be adequately equipped for such healthcare tasks, leading to debates about the intersection of law enforcement and mental health care.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Code Of Criminal Procedure

Chapter 46. Miscellaneous Provisions Relating To Mental Illness And Intellectual Disability
- Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB588

Duplicate Relating to the administration of medication to certain persons in the custody of a sheriff.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3346

Relating to the administration of medication to certain persons in the custody of a sheriff.

TX HB5088

Relating to procedures regarding certain persons who are or may be persons with a mental illness or intellectual disability.

TX SB2479

Relating to procedures regarding certain persons who are or may be persons with a mental illness or intellectual disability.

TX HB2743

Relating to procedures regarding the court-ordered administration of psychoactive medication for criminal defendants who are found incompetent to stand trial.

TX HB4504

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, including conforming amendments.

TX HB479

Relating to the period for transporting a criminal defendant who is found incompetent to stand trial to a facility for competency restoration services and to the compensation to the county for the costs of confinement occurring after that period.

TX HB3474

Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures regarding proceedings in the judicial branch of state government, including the service of process and delivery of documents related to the proceedings, the administration of oaths, and the management of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, and the composition of certain juvenile boards; establishing a civil penalty; increasing certain court costs; authorizing fees.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.