Regular Session
Texas Veterans Commission
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
No amendments are required for existing Master Service Agreements (MSAs). However, vendors serving the TVC or HHSC should anticipate future Requests for Proposals (RFPs) targeting rural service delivery and peer network expansion post-2026.
No immediate action required. HR and Clinical Directors should monitor the study's progress for potential changes to credentialing standards for "certified peer service coordinators," which may alter future hiring requirements.
No new filings or documentation are required for private entities.
None.
The statute leaves the definition of "rural communities" undefined; the TVC's interpretation during this study will determine geographic eligibility for future funding streams. Additionally, the study may recommend altering the rigor or accessibility of "certified peer service coordinator" credentials, potentially impacting the qualified labor pool for private mental health contractors.
Our government affairs experts can walk you through this bill's specific impact on your operations.
Schedule ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
BILL ANALYSIS |
| H.B. 1965 |
| By: Garcia, Josey |
| Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs |
| Committee Report (Unamended) |
| BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The bill author has informed the committee that 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 seeks to address this issue by requiring 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.
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| CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.
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| RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
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| ANALYSIS H.B. 1965 requires the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), in collaboration with the Health and Human Services Commission, to conduct a study to evaluate strategies to improve and expand mental health services provided through TVC's Military Veteran Peer Network. The bill requires the study to include recommendations on expanding the number of certified peer service coordinators who provide mental health services to service members, veterans, and their family members, and to focus on the provision of such coordinators in rural communities in Texas. H.B. 1965 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. The bill's provisions expire September 1, 2027.
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| EFFECTIVE DATE On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.
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| H.B. No. 1965 | ||
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| 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 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, 2026, 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, 2027. | ||
| 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, 2025. | ||
| TO: | Honorable Cole Hefner, Chair, House Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs |
| FROM: | Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB1965 by Garcia, Josey (Relating to a study on mental health services provided to veterans through the Texas Veterans Commission.), As Introduced |
| Source Agencies: | 403 Veterans Commission, 529 Health and Human Services Commission |
| LBB Staff: | JMc, MGol, LCO, JKe |
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Common questions about HB1965
HB1965 mandates the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) to study the expansion of the Military Veteran Peer Network, specifically in rural areas, with no immediate operational mandates for private entities. This legislation serves as a strategic market indicator for mental health providers and rural health clinics regarding future state procurement priorities for the 2027 legislative cycle. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: June 20, 2025 Compliance Deadline: None.
HB1965 was authored by Texas Representative Josey Garcia during the Regular Session.
HB1965 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
HB1965 is enforced by Texas Veterans Commission.
The compliance urgency for HB1965 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.
The cost impact of HB1965 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
HB1965 addresses topics including interim studies, mental health & substance abuse, military & veterans, health & human services commission and veterans commission, texas.
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