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.