Seven Agencies List What They Could Give Peer-Recovery Groups

The text as introduced · 384 words

89R9389 EAS-F

By: Moody
H.B. No. 3550

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to evaluating available resources from certain state

agencies to support peer-recovery organizations in this state.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 547, Government Code, as effective April

1, 2025, is amended by adding Subchapter J to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER J. PEER-RECOVERY ORGANIZATIONS

Sec. 547.0451. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "Mental health condition" means a condition, other

than a single diagnosis of an intellectual or developmental

disability or a substance use disorder, that substantially impairs

an individual's:

(A) thoughts, perception of reality, emotional

process, or judgment;

(B) behavior; or

(C) ability to participate in daily routines.

(2) "Peer-recovery organization" means a nonprofit

organization that:

(A) is wholly or partly operated by members of

the community, with at least 51 percent of those members

identifying as persons recovering from substance use disorders or

mental health conditions;

(B) mobilizes resources from inside and outside

of a community to increase the prevalence and quality of recovery

services for persons with mental health conditions or substance use

disorders and their affected family members; and

(C) delivers peer support services provided by

persons recovering from a substance use disorder or mental health

condition.

(3) "Substance use disorder" means the recurrent use

of alcohol or drugs that causes significant clinical and functional

impairment, such as health problems, disability, and failure to

complete major responsibilities at work, school, or home.

Sec. 547.0452. ASSISTANCE FROM CERTAIN STATE AGENCIES. The

following state agencies shall identify available resources,

including funding, training, or technical assistance, to support

and sustain peer-recovery organizations in this state:

(1) the Health and Human Services Commission;

(2) the Department of State Health Services;

(3) the Department of Family and Protective Services;

(4) the Texas Department of Housing and Community

Affairs;

(5) the Texas Department of Criminal Justice;

(6) the Texas Juvenile Justice Department; and

(7) the Texas Veterans Commission.

Sec. 547.0453. BIENNIAL REPORT. Not later than August 1 of

each even-numbered year, each state agency listed in Section

547.0452 shall prepare and submit a written report to the

legislature describing and detailing the available resources the

state agency has available to provide to peer-recovery

organizations in this state.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.