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 a definition for "Commission," referring to the Health and Human Services Commission, and modifies the requirements for the certificate of medical examination. Specifically, it requires the examining physician to provide an opinion on whether the proposed patient is likely to cause serious harm to themselves or others, or if they will continue to suffer without treatment. The bill also stipulates that the court must commit a proposed patient to a treatment facility for a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 90 days, contingent upon certain conditions being met.

Additionally, the bill allows for the discharge of a patient before the court order expires if the treating physician determines that the patient no longer meets the criteria for court-ordered treatment. It applies to applications for court-ordered treatment filed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. The changes aim to streamline the treatment process and ensure that individuals receive appropriate care based on their needs.

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)