Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1561

Filed

2/21/25

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to a ketamine treatment grant program for ketamine clinics serving active duty military personnel, first responders, and veterans.

Impact

This bill, if enacted, could significantly affect state laws related to mental health treatment and funding. By creating a dedicated grant program, the legislation aims to enhance the ability of specialized clinics to offer cost-effective services without financial burden on patients from military or first responder backgrounds. The proposed program highlights the state's commitment to improving mental health outcomes, particularly for populations at heightened risk of mental health disorders due to their service commitments.

Summary

Senate Bill 1561 proposes the establishment of a ketamine treatment grant program aimed at providing financial support to ketamine clinics that serve active duty military personnel, first responders, and veterans. The initiative is intended to expand access to mental health treatment using ketamine, which is increasingly recognized for its potential benefits in addressing mental health challenges such as PTSD and depression prevalent among these populations. The bill empowers the commission to award grants for uncompensated treatments and to cover necessary resources for delivering effective mental health care.

Contention

While the bill is designed to address critical mental health needs, it may present contention points regarding funding allocations and the practicality of implementing such a grant system. Critics could argue about the sustainability of the program, especially in the context of whether state resources should be dedicated to a niche treatment method like ketamine infusions, instead of broader mental health initiatives. Additionally, there may be concerns about regulating the quality and efficacy of clinics eligible for receiving grants, ensuring that the treatment is administered in a safe and effective manner.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

Chapter 547. Mental Health And Substance Use Services
- Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB720

Identical Relating to a ketamine treatment grant program for ketamine clinics serving active duty military personnel, first responders, and veterans.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4289

Relating to the establishment of a ketamine treatment grant program for veterans, active-duty military, and first responders.

TX HB1457

Relating to required military informed care or military cultural competency training for certain personnel of entities that provide mental health services to veterans or veterans' families before award of a state agency grant.

TX HB4185

Relating to a pilot program to award grants for personalized treatment protocols for veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

TX SB588

Relating to creating a temporary educator certification for certain military service members and first responders.

TX HB4945

Relating to establishing a grant program for junior reserve officer training programs to provide military funeral honors for veterans.

TX HB621

Relating to creating a temporary certification to teach career and technology education for certain military service members and first responders.

TX SB2448

Relating to the use of funds appropriated by the Department of State Health Services to deliver low-dose, at-home racemic ketamine via telehealth to improve healthcare access and mental health outcomes across rural and high-risk populations.

TX HB2951

Relating to the establishment of a service dog pilot program for certain veterans.

TX HB2059

Relating to mental health first aid training provided by local mental health authorities and local behavioral health authorities.

TX HB4611

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.

Similar Bills

TX HB810

Relating to the provision of certain investigational stem cell treatments to patients with certain severe chronic diseases or terminal illnesses and regulating the possession, use, and transfer of adult stem cells; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4594

Relating to the punishment for certain possession offenses under the Texas Controlled Substances Act; changing eligibility for and conditions of community supervision.

PA SB626

In court-ordered involuntary treatment of certain sexually violent persons, providing for court-ordered involuntary treatment of certain persons for controlled substance addiction; imposing duties on the Department of Human Services; and making editorial changes.