CMH BOARD MEMBERSHIP - S.B. 667: FIRST ANALYSIS
sans-serif">Senate Bill 667 (as passed by the Senate)
Sponsor: Senator Jason E. Allen
RATIONALE
Under the Mental Health Code, a community mental health (CMH) services board consists of 12 members. Up to four of the members may be county commissioners, unless the board represents more than four counties. In that case, the number of county commissioners may equal the number of counties represented on the board, and the total number of board members must be increased by the number of county commissioners in excess of four. There are three CMH boards in rural areas of the State that represent more than four counties. It was suggested that, when a CMH services board represents five or more counties, the number of board members should be increased to ensure adequate county representation.
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Mental Health Code to provide that, if a CMH board represented five or more counties with disproportionate populations, the number of board members could be expanded to more than 12 to ensure that each county was entitled to at least two board memberships.
ARGUMENTS
(Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)
Supporting Argument
In areas where a CMH board represents more than four counties, the bill would ensure that all of the counties involved had equally strong voices. The bill would maintain the proportion of consumers and consumers’ family members on a board, while adding a measure of fairness.
- Legislative Analyst: Julie Koval
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
- Fiscal Analyst: Steve AngelottiA0304\s667a
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.