87R3698 EAS-D

By: Moody 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.