Amended
Prevention of Gun Violence by Mental Health Consumers in Texas
Interest Groups
Interest Groups Supporting
Texas Appleseed
National Alliance on Mental Health
Texas Concealed Handgun Association
Bipartisan Political Support
Democrats
Republicans
Governor Rick Perry - Signed bill
Joan Huffman (R) - SB 1189 Author
Legal Foundations
Senate Bill 460
Senate Bill 1189
Code of Criminal Procedure Article 18.191
Health and Safety Code Section 573.001
Contents of Policy
Requirement of training for public school teachers in recognizing and responding to students with potential mental health disorders (SB 460)
Increase of state funding for mental health programs (State budget)
Enable disposal of unclaimed seized firearms (SB 1189)
Establish procedure for return of firearms after treatment or determination of inability to possess firearms due to mental instability (SB 1189)
Allow seizure of firearms possessed by persons in mental crisis (SB 1189)
Goals and Outcomes
Outcomes
Unintended Consequences?
Potential fiscal burden of firearm disposal passed to local agencies when seized unclaimed firearms are unsellable (law requires sale and prohibits destruction/disposal of guns)
Senate Bill 460 approved (97-35) in House of Representatives (Effective 9/1/13)
$259 million increase in budgeted spending for mental health programs
Senate Bill 1189 approved (145-1) in House of Representatives (Effective 9/1/13)
Goals
Improved healthcare for mental health consumers
Proactive prevention of additional mass shootings through early detection and appropriate response (SB 460)
