ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                              Ch. 62

CHAPTER 62
(House Bill 852)

AN ACT concerning

Howard County - Mental Health Advisory Board

Ho. Co. 18-04

FOR the purpose of granting the governing body of Howard County the authority to
designate, under certain circumstances, the Howard County Mental Health
Authority as the mental health advisory board for the county; and generally
relating to the mental health advisory board in Howard County.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article - Health - General
Section 10-308
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2000 Replacement Volume and 2003 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Health - General

10-308.

(a)     Except as otherwise provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, the
governing body of each county shall establish a mental health advisory committee.

(b)     The purpose of a mental health advisory committee shall be to serve as
advocate for a comprehensive mental health system for persons of all ages.

(c)     The governing bodies of two or more counties may establish, by agreement,
an intercounty mental health advisory committee if:

(1)     The population of one of the counties is too small to warrant the
establishment of a community mental health program for that county; and

(2)     The Director consents.

(d)     The governing body of a county may establish a joint mental health and
addictions advisory committee.

(E) IN HOWARD COUNTY, IF A QUASI-PUBLIC AUTHORITY IS ESTABLISHED
UNDER SUBTITLE 12 OF THIS TITLE, THE GOVERNING BODY MAY DESIGNATE THE
AUTHORITY AS THE MENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE COUNTY.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
July 1, 2004.

Approved April 13, 2004.

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