MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

10:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services was held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

MEMBERS PRESENT: — — — — MEMBERS ABSENT: — — Senator Lois Kolkhorst, — Chair — — — — Senator Bob Hall — — Senator Charles Perry, — Vice Chair — — — — — — Senator César Blanco — — — — — — Senator Molly Cook — — — — — — Senator Bryan Hughes — — — — — — Senator Borris Miles — Senator Kevin Sparks

MEMBERS PRESENT:

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Chair

Senator Bob Hall

Senator Charles Perry, Vice Chair

Senator César Blanco

Senator Molly Cook

Senator Bryan Hughes

Senator Borris Miles

Senator Kevin Sparks

The chair called the meeting to order at 10:03 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called:

Senator Borris Miles

The chair laid out the following interim committee charge:

· Addressing Societal Impacts of THC Product Consumption: Study the impact of THC on increased health care costs, mental health emergency detentions, and the risk of being diagnosed with a THC-induced psychotic disorder. Make recommendations to decrease health care and criminal justice costs.

The following individuals provided invited testimony (see attached witness list).

The chair laid out the following interim committee charge:

· Strengthening Crisis Related Mental Health and Homelessness Services: Determine the state’s authority and procedures for providing public mental health services and the intersection of those services with homelessness and addiction. Evaluate the effectiveness, consistency, and outcomes of competency restoration for criminally charged individuals awaiting trial, as well as processes for civil in-patient and out-patient commitments. Make recommendations to prioritize the most acute populations for treatment in order to reduce public safety threats.

The following individuals provided invited testimony (see attached witness list).

Senator Perry assumed the chair.

Senator Kolkhorst resumed the chair.

The chair laid out the following interim committee charge:

· Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services passed by the 89th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:

o Mental health programs and services provided through the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium.

The following individuals provided invited testimony (see attached witness list).

Senator Perry assumed the chair.

There being no further business, at 5:38 PM Senator Perry moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Chair

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Sally Buck, Clerk