Press Releases

JCMH Advances Mental Health in the 88th Texas Legislature

July 6, 2023

The Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health focuses on the intersection of mental health and the justice system. Together with the Texas Judicial Council, the JCMH developed proposals and served as a resource for the 88th Texas Legislature. As a result of this work, Governor Abbott signed SB 2479 into law. 

JCMH and HHSC Release Toolkit to “Eliminate the Wait” for Competency Restoration Services

July 6, 2023

TEXAS – A person must be competent to stand trial to protect the rights of people who do not understand the charges against them and cannot assist in their own defense. Like other states across the U.S., Texas faces a growing number of people who are waiting in jail for inpatient services because they have been declared incompetent to stand trial.