Texas HB4856 revises local mental health authority governance, prohibiting diversity initiatives and altering board composition.

Texas HB4856 amends the Health and Safety Code to change the governance of local mental health authorities. The bill prohibits these authorities from implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, defined as those promoting proportional representation based on identity classifications. It also mandates that local mental health authorities include specific sheriffs as ex officio nonvoting members on their governing boards. Additionally, the bill prohibits employees of local mental health authorities from serving on their governing boards. The changes take effect September 1, 2025.

Texas HB4856 revises local mental health authority governance, prohibiting diversity initiatives and altering board composition.

Texas HB4856 amends the Health and Safety Code to change the governance of local mental health authorities. The bill prohibits these authorities from implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, defined as those promoting proportional representation based on identity classifications. It also mandates that local mental health authorities include specific sheriffs as ex officio nonvoting members on their governing boards. Additionally, the bill prohibits employees of local mental health authorities from serving on their governing boards. The changes take effect September 1, 2025.