BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

H.B. 1465

 

By: Moody; Murr (Men�ndez)

 

Health & Human Services

 

4/23/2019

 

Engrossed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Recovery housing is a vital and cost-effective resource in combating the devastating effects of the opioid and substance use crisis. Recovery homes are a community-based housing model where individuals are able to concentrate on recovery in a substance-free environment through a peer support network.

 

A growing body of research reveals that recovery housing improves outcomes, including abstinence from substance abuse, better mental health treatment, higher employment rates, and higher monthly wages. While some states are in the process of conducting studies of recovery housing activities, and others have taken formal steps to enhance oversight, Texas has not investigated the status of recovery housing, which speaks to the need for a closer look.

 

H.B. 1465 directs the Health and Human Services Commission to conduct a study of recovery housing in the state. The study will evaluate the current status, needs, opportunities, and challenges of expanding recovery housing in this state. The study will identify and evaluate state and federal regulations relevant to recovery housing. The findings will inform policy changes, best practices, training, and technical assistance resources with the goal of increasing recovery housing capacity in the state.

 

H.B. 1465 amends current law relating to a study on expanding recovery housing in this state.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. (a) Defines "recovery housing" for purposes of this Act.

 

(b) 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 in this state.

 

(c) Requires HHSC, in conducting the study, to:

 

(1) identify and evaluate state and federal regulatory deficiencies and potential impacts on recovery housing, including the impacts on local government resources and the interests of the surrounding community;

 

(2) create focus groups with community stakeholders interested in recovery housing;

 

(3) interview stakeholders and experts in recovery housing that represent both rural and urban areas of this state;

 

(4) conduct site visits to recovery houses, including site visits to recovery houses demonstrating different models of recovery housing in both rural and urban areas of this state; and

 

(5) review scholarly research on recovery housing.

 

(d) Requires HHSC, not later than December 1, 2020, 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.

 

(e) Provides that this Act expires September 1, 2021.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2019.