WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS TO CONSIDER SUPPORT FOR RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CENTER BILLS

  

Washington County Commissioners could soon issue their support for a pair of bills aimed at residential treatment facility reform.

Commissioners will meet Tuesday to consider approval of a resolution supporting House Bill 1698 and Senate Bill 781.  The bills were filed in February by State Representative Ben Leman and Senator Lois Kolkhorst.

The bills seek to give the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) more tools and guidelines in order to establish additional oversight on treatment facilities, particularly ones connected to youths.

Specifically, the legislation would require HHSC to seriously consider “any public comment the commission receives” regarding the licensing of a facility.  A permit could also be denied to a facility if it is determined to have a “significant adverse impact” on its community.

Also in court, commissioners will look at renewing an agreement between the county and personnel services, regarding the hiring of temporary employees to work this year’s spring cleanup events at the collection station.

Commissioners will meet Tuesday at 9 a.m., at the Washington County Courthouse.