Bill > SB1561

This bill establishes a ketamine treatment grant program through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to provide mental health treatment for active duty military personnel, first responders, and veterans. The program will award grants to ketamine clinics to cover the cost of uncompensated mental health treatment and related expenses for these specific groups. The commission will develop selection criteria for grant recipients and establish accountability controls to ensure the grants achieve their intended public purpose. The bill defines key terms such as "first responder" and "veteran" and allows the commission to solicit gifts, grants, and donations to support the program. The commission may also create a voluntary work group to assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating the program, though work group members will not be compensated or reimbursed for their participation. The bill requires the commission to submit a biennial report to the governor and legislature detailing the program's activities, results, and outcomes. The grant program is set to be established by December 1, 2025, with the first report to be submitted by December 1, 2026, and the act will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1561