Bill Text: TX HB899 | 2025-2026 | 89th Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating to the administration of medication to certain persons in the custody of a sheriff.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2025-03-06 - Referred to s/c on County & Regional Government by Speaker [HB899 Detail]

Download: Texas-2025-HB899-Introduced.html

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89R2133 CJD-F
By: Jones of Harris H.B. No. 899

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the administration of medication to certain persons in
the custody of a sheriff.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Article 46B.0825, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
amended by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection
(a-1) to read as follows:
(a) A sheriff or sheriff's deputy having custody of a
defendant discharged from a facility, jail-based competency
restoration program, or outpatient competency restoration program
[for transportation as required by Article 46B.0805 or 46B.082 or
during proceedings described by Article 46B.084] shall, according
to information available at the time and unless directed otherwise
by a physician treating the defendant:
(1) [,] ensure that the defendant is provided with the
types and dosages of medication prescribed for the defendant; and
(2) in accordance with applicable law, compel the
defendant to take all prescribed medication to ensure the
defendant's continuity of care.
(a-1) If a defendant described by Subsection (a) is being
treated with a psychotropic medication at the time the defendant is
discharged, the sheriff or sheriff's deputy shall ensure that
administration of the medication continues unless directed
otherwise by the physician for the jail. The jail physician must
appropriately document the need for any discontinuation or other
change in the use or amount of medication after consulting with the
physician who treated the defendant at the facility or program to
ensure that the change does not adversely affect the defendant's
mental health or ability to continue with court proceedings.
(b) The commission shall reimburse [To the extent funds are
appropriated for that purpose,] a sheriff for the cost of [is
entitled to reimbursement from the state for] providing the
medication required by this article [Subsection (a)].
SECTION 2. Article 46B.0825(c), Code of Criminal Procedure,
is repealed.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.