Georgia House Bill HB657

Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Report Pass: 3/6/25

Caption

Mental health; qualifications of recovery community organizations for substance use; provide

Impact

By designating one state-wide recovery community organization and creating standardized requirements for the certification of peer specialists, HB 657 intends to create a more effective support system for individuals in recovery. This legislative move could potentially increase access to peer support services across Georgia, which may lead to improved recovery outcomes by fostering a community-led approach to addiction and mental health recovery that emphasizes participation of those with lived experience.

Summary

House Bill 657 aims to amend Title 37 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, focusing on mental health and substance use issues. The bill seeks to establish qualifications for recovery community organizations, emphasizing the need for certified peer specialists who can provide necessary support services to individuals dealing with mental health or substance use challenges. By defining the roles and responsibilities of these specialists, the bill aims to enhance the professional landscape for peer support within the state.

Contention

Notably, concerns about the bill may arise from the implications of its regulatory framework, particularly regarding the autonomy of peer specialists and recovery organizations. While proponents assert that having a structured certification system will benefit the overall quality of support, critics might argue that these requirements could create barriers to entry for new organizations and limit the flexibility of existing ones to adapt their services to unique community needs. Additionally, the bill’s focus on state-wide regulation could lead to debates over the balance between state oversight and local control regarding mental health and recovery services.