Our Mission
The mission of the Judicial Commission on Mental Health is to engage and empower court systems through collaboration, education, and leadership, thereby improving the lives of individuals with mental health needs, substance use disorders, or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Biennial Report to the Courts now available!
The JCMH's Biennial Report to the Supreme Court of Texas and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is now available online and in print.
This year’s theme, “Real Texans, Real Impact,” reflects the day-to-day dedication of the judges, attorneys, law enforcement officers, behavioral health professionals, and community leaders working to improve justice for individuals with mental health needs, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Thank you for making the 2025 Summit a success!
More than 1,200 people attended the 2025 Judicial Summit on Mental Health either online or in person at the Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria in Houston, TX. For the second year in a row, we had registrants who live and work in all 254 Texas counties. Additionally, we had registrants from all 39 local mental health authorities (LMHAs) and local behavioral health authorities (LBHAs).
The Summit has been approved for 9.00 continuing education hours, and 1.75 hours of ethics credit for judges and lawyers. An additional 10.50 hours, including .75 additional ethics hours, will be available by video after the Summit for a total of 19.50 credits with 2.5 ethics hours. Visit our Summit page to find resources from presentations given at the conference.
What changes did SB 1164 make?
The 89th Legislature passed SB 1164 (Sen. Zaffirini), which recently went into law. The law started as a JCMH proposal that was adopted by the Texas Judicial Council.
SB 1164 updates Texas law on how people experiencing mental health crises can be detained and treated. It gives officers and courts clearer authority to step in not only when someone is dangerous to themselves or others, but also when a person’s mental health has worsened so much that they can’t recognize their need for care or understand treatment risks. The bill requires officers to provide more detailed information when detaining someone for emergency evaluation and makes court procedures for ordering treatment more flexible and consistent across counties. These changes are designed to help people in crisis get timely and appropriate mental health care while ensuring clear rules for law enforcement, hospitals, and courts.
The Houston Police Department created a video explaining the new law, and graciously let the JCMH use it for training purposes.
