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Bill

SB 2264

Relating to the collection and reporting of information regarding mental health jail diversion.

89th Legislature (2025)

Texas bill requires counties to collect and report standardized data on mental health jail diversion programs to measure effectiveness and enable evidence-based policy decisions.

Referred to Criminal Justice
#corrections--jails&prisons(i0092) #disabilities #personswith(i0380) #lawenforcement(i0510) #mentalhealth&substanceabuse(i0019) #peaceofficers(s0007)
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Bill Summary · SB 2264

Legislative bill overview

SB 2264 establishes requirements for Texas counties to collect and report data on mental health jail diversion programs—initiatives that redirect individuals with mental health conditions away from incarceration toward treatment. The bill mandates standardized information gathering on program participation, outcomes, and effectiveness, creating transparency and accountability mechanisms for these alternative justice approaches.

Why is this important

Mental health jail diversion programs are considered evidence-based alternatives that can reduce incarceration rates, lower recidivism, and connect vulnerable individuals to treatment. Standardized data collection allows policymakers to evaluate which programs work, identify best practices statewide, and justify continued funding or expansion. Without reporting requirements, program effectiveness remains largely unmeasured and invisible to public oversight.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: Small or rural counties may lack resources to collect and report detailed data, potentially creating compliance costs without corresponding program funding
  • Definitional inconsistency: Lack of statewide definitions of "mental health diversion" could lead to inconsistent reporting across counties, making comparative analysis difficult
  • Privacy concerns: Collecting detailed participant information requires careful handling of sensitive mental health records and criminal justice data to protect individual privacy

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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