H.B. No. 4856 aims to amend the governance structure of local mental health authorities in Texas by introducing new requirements for their governing bodies. The bill mandates that local mental health authorities provide a monthly electronic expense report detailing expenditures to all governing body members, including nonvoting members. It also specifies that each local mental health authority must have a governing body that includes sheriffs as ex officio nonvoting members, with at least one member being a public individual with business experience who has not held elected office. Additionally, sheriffs can designate representatives to serve in their place, and they may request to become voting members of the governing board.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a prohibition on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within local mental health authorities, except as required by federal law. This includes restrictions on formulating or promoting such initiatives and giving preference based on identity classifications in employment or participation. The bill repeals a previous section of the Health and Safety Code and 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)