Bill > HB4844

This bill establishes a Border County Mental Health Task Force specifically targeting counties adjacent to the Mexico border with populations between 400,000 and 500,000 residents. The task force, to be established under the Office of Rural Mental Health, will advise the Health and Human Services Commission on mental and behavioral health issues in the region, including policy priorities, public awareness, and challenges such as suicide, depression, substance abuse, and access barriers related to socioeconomic conditions, language, and cultural differences. The task force will consist of members appointed by the commissioner, including a first responder, two ex officio legislative members, and representatives from hospitals, community health centers, local mental health authorities, and other relevant organizations. The task force will develop short-term (4-year) and long-term (9-year) mental health improvement plans, meet at least quarterly, and submit biennial reports to the commissioner and legislature. Members will serve without compensation, and the task force is subject to the Texas Sunset Act, meaning it will automatically expire on September 1, 2037, unless continued. The bill requires initial plan development and implementation timelines, with the first short-term plan to be implemented by September 1, 2026, and the long-term plan by September 1, 2028.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4844