style="font-family: 'Verdana', sans-serif">Senate Bill
667 (as
enrolled)
0;
60; &#
160; PUBLIC ACT 278 of
2003CMH BOARD MEMBERSHIP - S.B. 667: ENROLLED ANALYSIS
style="font-family: 'Verdana', sans-serif">Senate Bill
667 (as
enrolled)
0;
60; &#
160; PUBLIC ACT 278 of
2003
Sponsor: Senator Jason E. Allen
Senate Committee: Health Policy
House Committee: Health Policy
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 amended the Mental Health Code to provide that, in addition to a membership increase related to the number of county commissioners serving on a CMH board representing five or more counties, the number of board members may be expanded to more than 12 to ensure that each county is entitled to at least two board memberships, which may include county commissioners from that county who are members of the board.
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 will ensure that all of the counties involved have equally strong voices. The bill maintains 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\s667ea
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.