Senate Bill No. 2446 aims to amend the Health and Safety Code regarding the governance of local mental health authorities. The bill introduces new requirements for these authorities, mandating that they prepare a monthly expense report detailing expenditures from the previous month and make this report available electronically to all governing body members, including nonvoting members. Additionally, the bill specifies that each local mental health authority must have a governing body that includes at least one voting member from the public with business experience, who has not held public office, and is appointed by local agency governing bodies.

The bill also revises the composition of the governing bodies by establishing criteria for the inclusion of sheriffs from counties served by the local mental health authority. It allows for the selection of sheriffs based on the median population size of the counties and permits sheriffs to designate representatives to serve in their place. Furthermore, it prohibits employees of the local mental health authority from serving on its governing body. The existing provision regarding the ex officio nonvoting status of sheriffs is repealed, and the act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 533.035, Health and Safety Code 533.0351 (Health and Safety Code 533)
Senate Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 533.035, Health and Safety Code 533.0351 (Health and Safety Code 533)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 533.035, Health and Safety Code 533.0351 (Health and Safety Code 533)