AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the Texas Senate’s unanimous passage of Senate Bill 26, Expanding Mental Health Care Beds Across Texas – Focus on Rural Counties, by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham:

“As I traveled rural Texas last year, I listened closely as Texans from all regions of our state explained the need for improved mental health care access. As Lt. Governor, I have already invested more in mental health care than any Lt. Governor in Texas history. This historic legislation builds upon what we have done in the last 8 years in the area of mental health. This investment is a responsible use of our unprecedented budget surplus, and I am proud that the Senate has come together as one to support this important and historic endeavor.”

SB 26 creates an “Innovation Grant” program to direct state funding to improve mental health bed capacity and services across Texas. SB 26 also increases accountability and transparency for local mental and behavioral health authorities to better assess services provided and ongoing treatment needs and directs the establishment of statewide discharge planning from state hospitals to community placement options.