BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1965
	By: Garcia, Josey et al. (Men�ndez)
	Veteran Affairs
	5/13/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Veterans face unique mental health needs related to their service to our country. While the Texas Veterans Commission's (TVC) Military Veteran Peer Network offers struggling veterans the opportunity to connect with a trained peer support volunteer who shares their service background, a recent report by the Texas Coordinating Council for Veterans Services identified the need to increase the number of peer service coordinators in the network, and particularly in rural communities, to meet the needs of veterans and their families.

H.B. 1965 requires TVC to conduct a study in collaboration with the Health and Human Services Commission on strategies to improve access to mental health services through TVC's Military Veteran Peer Network.

H.B. 1965 amends current law relating to a study on mental health services provided to veterans through the Texas Veterans Commission.

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 "commission."

(b) Requires the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) to conduct a study to evaluate strategies to improve and expand mental health services provided through the commission's Military Veteran Peer Network. Requires that the study include recommendations on expanding the number of certified peer service coordinators who provide mental health services to service members, veterans, and family members of service members or veterans.

(c) Requires that the study required by this section focus on the provision of certified peer service coordinators in rural communities in this state.

(d) Requires TVC, not later than December 1, 2026, to prepare and submit a report to the legislature containing the findings of the study and any recommendations for legislative or other action.

SECTION 2. Provides that this Act expires September 1, 2027.

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2025.