Relating to the authority of the Department of State Health Services to lease certain real property.

HB 5142 allows the Texas Department of State Health Services to lease unused real property on the Austin State Hospital campus without competitive bidding or advertisement, at below-market rates. This applies only if the property is not currently used by the department and will be leased to a local government unit for mental health services, including jail diversion programs. The bill specifically amends the Health and Safety Code to create this leasing authority, effective September 1, 2025. It directly affects the state health department, local governments providing mental health services, and the Austin State Hospital campus properties.