The bill amends Section 574.001(b) of the Health and Safety Code regarding the county in which applications for court-ordered mental health services must be filed. The new language specifies that applications can be filed in the county where the proposed patient is located at the time of filing, where they were apprehended under Chapter 573, or where they are currently receiving mental health services by court order or under Subchapter A, Chapter 573. The previous language that allowed applications to be filed in the county where the patient was found has been deleted.

This change in law will only apply to applications submitted on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025. The bill aims to clarify the jurisdiction for filing such applications, potentially streamlining the process for individuals seeking mental health services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 574.001 (Health and Safety Code 574)