Texas Policy

Where are we in the two year cycle?

Unlike most states, the Texas Legislature only meets for 140 day during odd numbered years. This creates a two year cycle of activity, which can be thought of as seasons. What advocates should be focused on depends on the season.

It's advocacy season in Texas! The 88th Texas Legislative Session has begun.

On Tuesday, January 10th the Texas legislative session officially convened. This starts 140 days of policymaking. During the first weeks of the session, both the senate and house chambers will swear in the new legislators and develop the 'Rules of Procedure'. The rules outline the duties of members and committees, basic procedures and conduct.

From here, committee members are appointed in the House by Speaker of the House, Dade Phelan and the Lt. Governor, Dan Patrick, in the Senate. Once committees are formed, bills will be assigned to them and placed on their calendars to be heard. Then we are off to the races!

Would you like a chance to advocate for recovery in your district. Join us for Recovery Day at the Capitol (click here for more info).

88th Session (2023)

The 88th Texas Legislative Session began January 10, 2023. Learn more about our policy priorities and check out our bill tracker by visiting our session webpage.

Interim (2021 - 2022)

The time between Sessions is referred to as the Interim. It is the best time for advocates to: 1) establish better relationships with their Senators and Representatives; 2) follow-up on bills that were passed to ensure they are being implemented correctly; and 3) build momentum toward next Session.

RecoveryPeople continues to work with stakeholders and coalitions throughout the interim. The blogs post below highlight some of our work.

Behavioral Health Workforce Exceptional Item

By Jason Howell | December 13, 2021

RecoveryPeople in partnership with the Network of Behavioral Health Providers submitted a requests for exceptional item regarding workforce develop to be added to the HHSC Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR). Over…

Recovery Housing Exceptional Item Request

By Jason Howell | December 13, 2021

RecoveryPeople in partnership with the Network of Behavioral Health Providers submitted a recovery housing exceptional items to be added to the HHSC Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR). Over 30 organizations supported…

Interim Advocacy Documents:

Previous Texas Legislative Sessions

87th Session (2021)

Key legislation during the 87th included recovery housing, patient brokering, community recovery organizations, good samaritan and more...

86th Session (2019)

Key legislation during the 87th included recovery housing and a focus on the opioid crisis