BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 707
87R3698 EAS-D	By: Moody; Murr (Blanco)
	Health & Human Services
	5/17/2021
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

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.

H.B. 707 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," in this Act, as a shared living environment that promotes sustained recovery from substance use disorders by integrating residents into the surrounding community and providing a setting that connects residents to supports and services promoting sustained recovery from substance use disorders, is centered on peer support, and is free from alcohol and drug use.

(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 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, 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.

(e) Provides that this Act expires September 1, 2023.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2021.