HB5528 - Relating to the establishment of the Texas Law Enforcement Crisis Prevention Task Force.

  89R16114 EAS-F     By: Louderback H.B. No. 5528       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the establishment of the Texas Law Enforcement Crisis   Prevention Task Force.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subtitle B, Title 9, Health and Safety Code, is   amended by adding Chapter 786 to read as follows:   CHAPTER 786. TEXAS LAW ENFORCEMENT CRISIS PREVENTION TASK FORCE           Sec. 786.001.  DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:                   (1)     "Commission" means the Health and Human Services   Commission.                 (2)     "First responder" has the meaning assigned by   Section 421.095, Government Code.                 (3)     "Law enforcement agency" means an agency of the   state or of a political subdivision of the state authorized by law   to appoint or employ peace officers.                 (4)     "Local mental health authority" has the meaning   assigned by Section 571.003.                 (5)     "Task force" means the Texas Law Enforcement   Crisis Prevention Task Force established by this chapter.           Sec.   786.002.     ESTABLISHMENT. The task force is established   to facilitate collaboration among law enforcement agencies, local   mental health authorities, and other key stakeholders for purposes   of developing strategies for improving coordination and   streamlining processes between local mental health authorities,   law enforcement agencies, and first responders when responding to a   crisis situation.           Sec.   786.003.     COMPOSITION. The governor shall appoint the   membership of the task force. The task force must include:                 (1)  representatives from:                       (A)  the commission;                       (B)     the Department of Public Safety of the State   of Texas;                         (C)  the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement;                         (D)     municipal and county law enforcement   agencies;                       (E)  local mental health authorities; and                       (F)  fire departments;                 (2)  emergency medical services personnel; and                 (3)     advocacy groups focused on mental health and   crisis prevention.           Sec.   786.004.     PRESIDING OFFICER.   The governor shall   designate a member of the task force to serve as presiding officer   of the task force.           Sec.   786.005.     VACANCY.   A vacancy on the task force shall be   filled in the same manner as the original appointment.           Sec.   786.006.     MEETINGS. The task force shall meet at least   quarterly at the call of the presiding officer.           Sec. 786.007.  DUTIES. The task force shall:                 (1)     identify and address gaps in the coordination of   services between law enforcement agencies, local mental health   authorities, and first responders;                 (2)     develop recommendations for improving crisis   response, including recommendations for training programs and best   practices for law enforcement agencies and first responders;                 (3)     identify technological solutions to enhance   crisis response coordination, including by evaluating how entities   share data and communicate for purposes of improving service   delivery; and                 (4)     explore funding opportunities to support crisis   intervention initiatives and the provision of mental health   services.           Sec.   786.008.     SUBCOMMITTEES ON SPECIFIC ISSUES.   The task   force may establish subcommittees to address specific issues,   including:                 (1)  rural mental health response;                 (2)  data integration; and                 (3)  specialized crisis intervention training.           Sec.   786.009.     ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT. The commission and   the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shall provide   administrative support to the task force, including reasonably   necessary administrative and technical support.           Sec.   786.010.     APPLICABILITY OF OTHER LAW.   Chapter 2110,   Government Code, does not apply to the task force.           Sec.   786.011.     REPORT. (a)   Not later than September 1 of   each even-numbered year, the task force shall prepare and submit a   written report on the task force's activities to the governor, the   lieutenant governor, and the legislature that:                 (1)     summarizes findings on present challenges in   crisis response;                   (2)     identifies best practices for the provision of   crisis services, as determined through stakeholder input; and                 (3)  includes recommendations for:                       (A)     improving coordination between law   enforcement agencies, local mental health authorities, and first   responders; and                       (B)     legislative or other actions to improve   crisis intervention efforts.             (b)     The commission shall publish the report under   Subsection (a) on the commission's Internet website.           Sec.   786.012.     FUNDING.   The task force may accept gifts,   grants, and donations to accomplish the purposes of the task force.          SECTION 2.  As soon as practicable after the effective date   of this Act, the governor shall appoint the members of the Texas Law   Enforcement Crisis Prevention Task Force established by Chapter   786, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives   a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as   provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this   Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this   Act takes effect September 1, 2025.