The bill, H.B. No. 1747, aims to enhance the coordination of mental health, substance use, and public health care services in Texas by establishing a new framework within the Government Code. It introduces Subchapter V, which includes the creation of the Mental Health, Substance Use, and Public Health Initiative Council and the Mental Health, Substance Use, and Public Health Initiative Trust Fund. The council will consist of 14 members appointed by various state leaders, including the governor and the speaker of the house, and will be responsible for ensuring fair allocation and effective spending of funds aimed at improving service coordination. The council will also be administratively attached to the Department of State Health Services, which will provide necessary support.

Additionally, the bill outlines the establishment of a grant program to fund initiatives that improve the integration of mental health, substance use, and public health services, particularly for individuals with co-occurring disorders. The council is tasked with developing procedures for grant applications and evaluations, and it must report annually on expenditures and fund balances. The bill emphasizes the importance of diversity in council membership and mandates that decisions regarding grants require unanimous approval from all council members. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()