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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to a study on expanding recovery housing in this state. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. (a) In this Act, "recovery housing" means a |
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shared living environment that promotes sustained recovery from |
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substance use disorders by integrating residents into the |
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surrounding community and providing a setting that connects |
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residents to supports and services promoting sustained recovery |
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from substance use disorders, is centered on peer support, and is |
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free from alcohol and drug use. |
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(b) The Health and Human Services Commission shall conduct a |
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study to evaluate the current status of and opportunities, |
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challenges, and needs to expand recovery housing in this state. |
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(c) In conducting the study, the Health and Human Services |
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Commission shall: |
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(1) identify and evaluate state and federal regulatory |
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deficiencies and potential impacts on recovery housing, including |
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the impacts on local government resources and interests of the |
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surrounding community; |
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(2) create focus groups with community stakeholders |
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interested in recovery housing; |
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(3) interview stakeholders and experts in recovery |
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housing that represent both rural and urban areas of this state; |
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(4) conduct site visits to recovery houses, including |
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site visits to recovery houses demonstrating different models of |
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recovery housing in both rural and urban areas of this state; and |
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(5) review scholarly research on recovery housing. |
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(d) Not later than December 1, 2022, the Health and Human |
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Services Commission shall prepare and submit to the legislature a |
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written report containing the results of the study and any |
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recommendations for legislative or other action, including policy |
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changes and the adoption or implementation of best practices and |
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training and technical assistance resources. |
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(e) This Act expires September 1, 2023. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021. |