89R2702 EAS-D
By: Menéndez S.B. No. 160
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to senior justice assessment centers in certain counties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Title 6, Human Resources Code, is amended by
adding Chapter 106 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 106. SENIOR JUSTICE ASSESSMENT CENTERS
Sec. 106.001. ESTABLISHMENT OF SENIOR JUSTICE ASSESSMENT
CENTERS. A county with a population of one million or more shall
establish a senior justice assessment center.
Sec. 106.002. DUTIES. (a) A senior justice assessment
center shall provide services to seniors to ensure the dignity of
seniors through increased public awareness, educational outreach,
and promotion of justice regarding elder abuse.
(b) A senior justice assessment center shall:
(1) provide services to assist in the investigation of
elder abuse through a multidisciplinary team composed of
representatives of the following in the county:
(A) the sheriff and each municipal law
enforcement agency with jurisdiction to investigate elder abuse;
(B) the adult protective services agency;
(C) each attorney representing the state with
jurisdiction to prosecute elder abuse cases;
(D) the area agency on aging; and
(E) public health care institutions, including
postsecondary institutions providing health care services in the
area; and
(2) establish processes and procedures to:
(A) determine whether elder abuse has been
committed or whether other forms of neglect or exploitation of a
senior have occurred;
(B) evaluate the senior's mental capacity and
ensure the senior's physical safety; and
(C) make appropriate referrals to ensure the
provision of comprehensive care and the promotion of justice for
the senior based on the senior's individual needs.
(c) In providing services to seniors, a senior justice
assessment center shall collaborate with experts in:
(1) geriatric medicine;
(2) social services;
(3) protective services;
(4) law enforcement;
(5) civil enforcement; and
(6) criminal prosecution.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.