The Texas Senate unanimously passed a sweeping mental health reform bill with bipartisan support. All senators voted for the bill except for one who was absent.
SB 26, filed by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, seeks to expand mental health capacity, especially for children and adolescents, by creating a new grant program. It would direct a structured methodology for transitioning patients out of state hospitals, and amend current law related to local mental and behavioral health audits, reporting, services and programs.
It also would increase transparency and accountability for the Texas community-based mental and behavioral health systems in several ways. It would require them to submit to regular performance audits and increased data reporting, and direct the development of incentives to support long-term placement for elderly Texans with intense behavioral health needs.
https://justthenews.com/nation/states/center-square/texas-senate-unanimously-passes-sweeping-mental-health-bill
