The bill, H.B. No. 1621, proposes the establishment of a matching grant program aimed at enhancing technological capabilities in hospitals that provide mental health care services in Texas. It introduces a new subchapter, Subchapter K, to Chapter 547 of the Government Code, which outlines the applicability of the program to hospitals licensed under specific chapters of the Health and Safety Code. The program will require hospitals to demonstrate their planned uses for grant money and matching funds, align with interoperability standards set by the 21st Century Cures Act, and meet additional eligibility criteria established by the commission.

To qualify for the grants, hospitals must provide non-state sourced funds equal to 25% of the grant amount, which can be raised through gifts, grants, or donations. The bill specifies acceptable uses for the grant money, including purchasing data recording platforms, expanding interoperability, improving access to digital health records, enhancing information technology infrastructure, and increasing efficiency in mental health service provision. Additionally, the commission is authorized to solicit and accept donations to fund the program and is required to submit a biennial report to the legislature on the program's results. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.