87R3698 EAS-D
 
  By: Moody, Murr H.B. No. 707
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to a study on expanding recovery housing in this state.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  (a) In this Act, "recovery housing" means 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)  The Health and Human Services Commission shall conduct a
  study to evaluate the current status of and opportunities,
  challenges, and needs to expand recovery housing in this state.
         (c)  In conducting the study, the Health and Human Services
  Commission shall:
               (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)  Not later than December 1, 2022, the Health and Human
  Services Commission shall 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)  This Act expires September 1, 2023.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.