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

SB 2720 allows the Texas Department of State Health Services to lease unused real property on the Austin State Hospital campus to local governments for mental health services - including jail diversion programs - without requiring competitive bidding or advertising. The lease must be at below-market rates and only applies to property not currently used by the department. This bill directly affects the state health department, local governments providing mental health services, and individuals accessing these services through community programs. It takes effect September 1, 2025.