House Bill No. 1455 aims to enhance the collection and reporting of information related to mental health jail diversion in Texas. It introduces a new article, Article 2B.00541, to the Code of Criminal Procedure, which mandates that peace officers report specific information when arresting individuals they believe may have mental illness or intellectual disabilities. This includes details about the individual's behavior, the reason for the arrest, any searches conducted, and whether efforts were made to divert the individual to appropriate treatment. Additionally, the bill requires law enforcement agencies to compile and analyze this information alongside existing data to evaluate the treatment of individuals with mental health issues within the criminal justice system.

The bill also amends existing provisions to include new reporting requirements for county jails regarding individuals with suspected mental health issues. Counties must report on the number of screenings and interviews conducted for mental health or intellectual disabilities, as well as the outcomes of these interviews. Furthermore, the legislation mandates that the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement collect and maintain incident-based data from law enforcement agencies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing mental health in the context of law enforcement and incarceration. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with the first report due by October 5, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 511.0101, Occupations Code 1701.164 (Government Code 511, Occupations Code 1701)