H.B. No. 171, also known as the Anell Borrego Act, amends the Health and Safety Code to enhance the procedures surrounding court-ordered treatment for individuals with chemical dependency. The bill introduces new definitions, including the term "Commission" to refer to the Health and Human Services Commission. It modifies the requirements for the certificate of medical examination, specifying that it must include the examining physician's opinion on whether the proposed patient is likely to cause serious harm to themselves or others due to their chemical dependency. Additionally, the bill establishes that court commitments for treatment must last at least 30 days but not exceed 90 days, contingent upon the patient's admission of allegations or a court finding based on clear and convincing evidence.

The legislation also allows for the discharge of patients before the expiration of court orders if the treating physician determines that the patient no longer meets the criteria for treatment. It applies to both misdemeanor and juvenile cases, ensuring that individuals can be remanded to treatment facilities instead of facing incarceration or fines, provided certain conditions are met. The changes in law will only apply to applications for court-ordered treatment filed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 462.001, Health and Safety Code 462.064, Health and Safety Code 462.069, Health and Safety Code 462.075, Health and Safety Code 462.080, Health and Safety Code 462.081 (Health and Safety Code 462)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 462.001, Health and Safety Code 462.064, Health and Safety Code 462.069, Health and Safety Code 462.075, Health and Safety Code 462.080, Health and Safety Code 462.081 (Health and Safety Code 462)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 462.001, Health and Safety Code 462.064, Health and Safety Code 462.069, Health and Safety Code 462.075, Health and Safety Code 462.080, Health and Safety Code 462.081 (Health and Safety Code 462)
Senate Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 462.001, Health and Safety Code 462.064, Health and Safety Code 462.069, Health and Safety Code 462.075, Health and Safety Code 462.080, Health and Safety Code 462.081 (Health and Safety Code 462)
Enrolled: Health and Safety Code 462.001, Health and Safety Code 462.064, Health and Safety Code 462.069, Health and Safety Code 462.075, Health and Safety Code 462.080, Health and Safety Code 462.081 (Health and Safety Code 462)