88R23208 MPF-D
 
  By: Garcia, Frank, Lopez of Bexar, Bumgarner, H.B. No. 4972
      Dorazio, et al.
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study on mental health services provided to veterans
through the Texas Veterans Commission.
       BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
       SECTION 1.  (a)  In this section, the "commission" means the
Texas Veterans Commission.
       (b)  The commission, in collaboration with the Health and
Human Services Commission, shall conduct a study to evaluate
strategies to improve and expand mental health services provided
through the commission's Military Veteran Peer Network. The study
must 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)  The study required by this section must focus on the
provision of certified peer service coordinators in rural
communities in this state.
       (d)  Not later than December 1, 2024, the commission shall
prepare and submit a report to the legislature containing the
findings of the study and any recommendations for legislative or
other action.
       SECTION 2.  This Act expires September 1, 2025.
       SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2023.