S.B. No. 2487 aims to enhance the procedures and facilities providing crisis and mental health services in Texas. The bill introduces a new section, 573.020, which mandates that a non-physician mental health professional must examine individuals arriving at crisis service facilities within 30 minutes if an application for detention has been filed or if a peace officer has notified the facility of a detention. Additionally, it allows these facilities to detain individuals who reject voluntary mental health services if there is reasonable cause to believe they pose a substantial risk of harm due to mental illness. The bill also amends existing sections to ensure that a physician examines detained individuals within 12 hours and requires that individuals released from these facilities receive formal referrals to outpatient mental health services.
Furthermore, the bill establishes Chapter 580, which allows counties with populations over 1.2 million to create comprehensive crisis service models. These models can include various services such as crisis intervention, short-term residential care, and coordination with homelessness service providers. The legislation emphasizes the importance of collaboration between crisis service centers and local municipalities to ensure individuals receive ongoing care and support after treatment. It also mandates the creation of an advisory board for each crisis service model and requires counties to report on the outcomes of their services biennially. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and its implementation is contingent upon legislative appropriations.
Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 573.021, Health and Safety Code 573.023 (Health and Safety Code 573)
Senate Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 573.021, Health and Safety Code 573.023 (Health and Safety Code 573)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 573.021, Health and Safety Code 573.023 (Health and Safety Code 573)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 573.021, Health and Safety Code 573.023 (Health and Safety Code 573)