Bill > SB528

This bill establishes a new chapter in the Texas Health and Safety Code focused on inpatient competency restoration services, which are mental health services designed to help defendants with mental health issues become mentally competent to stand trial. The bill requires facilities providing these services to enter into memorandums of understanding with local governments and mental health authorities to clarify their roles and responsibilities. Each facility must submit an annual report to the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) detailing key metrics such as the number of individuals receiving services, how many were restored to competency, average service duration, and the outcomes for those not restored to competency. The bill also mandates that HHSC prepare an annual report to the legislature by August 1st each year, which must include a performance evaluation of each facility, aggregated demographic data about individuals receiving services, and a cost comparison between different competency restoration programs. Notably, the first report is not required until August 1, 2027, and the bill will take effect on September 1, 2025. The legislation aims to provide transparency and accountability in the management of competency restoration services across Texas.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB528