BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 707

By: Moody

Public Health

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been suggested that recovery housing is a vital and cost-effective way to help combat the devastating effects of substance use disorders. Some states are in the process of conducting studies of recovery housing activities and others have taken formal steps to enhance oversight, but Texas has not yet investigated the efficacy of recovery housing resources in the state. H.B. 707 seeks to address this issue by requiring the Health and Human Services Commission to conduct a study to evaluate the current status of and the opportunities for and challenges to expanding recovery housing in Texas.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 707 requires the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to conduct a study to evaluate the current status of and opportunities, challenges, and needs to expand recovery housing that promotes sustained recovery from substance use disorders in Texas. The bill requires HHSC to undertake specified actions in conducting the study and, not later than December 1, 2022, to prepare and submit to the legislature a written report containing the results of the study and any recommendations for legislative or other action, including policy changes and the adoption or implementation of best practices and training and technical assistance resources. The bill's provisions expire September 1, 2023.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.