JCMH Staff and Executive Committee

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.

JCMH Biennial Report

Rural Communities: Apply for a SIM Mapping!

The JCMH will provide adult or juvenile SIM Mapping Workshops free of charge to selected rural communities in 2025. There are no fees for registration, tuition, or materials associated with the workshops. The JCMH will cover all costs associated with workshop planning and coordination, facilitator time, analysis, and report development.

A SIM mapping workshop brings a community together to assess available resources, determine gaps in services, and plan for change. “Readiness for change” is a critical element in determining whether a SIM mapping workshop will fit the needs of a community. To determine a community’s readiness for change, the community must self-assess how well its mental health, criminal or juvenile justice systems, and substance use services are integrated. This self-assessment will help the JCMH adjust the workshop to fit each community’s needs.

Rural SIM Application

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. 

Video explanation of SB 1164