Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on mental health civil commitment case filing fees.

SB41, enacted during the 87^th Regular Legislative Session consolidates civil fees, setting a State Consolidated Civil Fee (LGC 133.151) of $137 and a Local Consolidated Fee (LGC 135.102) of $223, for a total of $360.  Williamson County also charges a Mental Health Ad Litem fee of $300, allowable under the Health & Safety Code 571.018(c) and a Sheriff’s Mental Process Fee of $125, allowable under LGC 118.131.  Effective January 1, 2022, this makes the total cost of an Order of Protective Custody (OPC) $785 (copy of a receipt – attached).  Many of the State and Local Consolidated Fees go into special funds set up by the Auditor’s to support specific uses, as required by statutes.  The Mental Health Ad Litem Fee and the Sheriff’s Mental Process Fee go into the general fund as a revenue.   During 2021, the Mental Health Ad Litem fee brought in $101,400 and the Sheriff’s Mental Process Fee brought in $46,750, for a total of $148,150.  It is recommended that the Court consider eliminating the Mental Health Ad Litem Fee and the Sheriff’s Mental Process Fee, making the total OPC fee of $360, keeping Williamson County in compliance with SB41, helping increase access to mental health treatment, increasing jail diversion, while preventing financial hardships of those seeking and receiving treatment.