Relating to a peer support network for first responders.
HB 35 creates a state-mandated peer support network for Texas first responders, directly affecting emergency medical services personnel and firefighters. The law requires the state agency to develop peer-to-peer support programs, provide suicide prevention training for peer coordinators, and ensure confidential access to mental health resources at no cost to responders. It also mandates annual reports tracking participation numbers, peer training outcomes, regional facility locations, and program evaluations. The network aims to improve mental health support across both urban and rural communities while protecting participant privacy under confidentiality rules.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
May 2025
House Passage
May 2025
Senate Passage
May 2025
Signed into Law
Jun 2025
Introduced Mar 14, 2025
Signed Jun 20, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons
What changed between versions
Engrossed
→
Enrolled
·
5 edits
·
Jun 20, 2025
MODERATE
The bill was finalized and formatted for official enactment, with significant substantive changes to the peer support network requirements. The definition of 'firefighter' was expanded to include volunteers, and the annual reporting requirements were modified to focus on operational metrics rather than vacant positions. A new implementation timeline was added, requiring the Texas Division of Emergency Management to develop the network by March 31, 2026, with funding contingent on legislative appropriation.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded to include volunteer firefighters in the peer support network eligibility, and the implementation timeline was added with a specific deadline and funding conditions.
DEFINITION
The definition of 'firefighter' was changed from permanent paid employees only to include both paid employees and volunteers of fire departments.
REQUIREMENT
Annual reporting requirements were changed to focus on operational metrics like number of first responders served, regional facilities in operation, and critical incident responses, rather than tracking vacant positions.
The annual report now includes the number of first responders served by peers and the retention rate of peers, replacing the previous requirement to report on vacant regional director positions.
TIMELINE
A new deadline was added requiring the Texas Division of Emergency Management to develop the peer support network by March 31, 2026.
FISCAL
Implementation is now conditional on specific legislative appropriation, with the division allowed to use other available funds only if specific funding is not provided.
Floor votes · House May 1, 2025
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
63
Key actions
19
Committee
12
Amendments
9
Jun 20, 2025
Signed into law
Signed by the Governor
executive
May 31, 2025
Upper · Passed
Signed in the Senate
upper
May 30, 2025
Lower · Passed
Signed in the House
lower
May 28, 2025
Introduced
House concurs in Senate amendment(s)-reported
upper
May 28, 2025
Introduced
Text of Senate Amendment(s)
lower
May 28, 2025
Introduced
House concurs in Senate amendment(s)
lower
May 26, 2025
Introduced
Senate Amendments Analysis distributed
lower
May 26, 2025
Introduced
Senate Amendments distributed
lower
May 26, 2025
Lower · Passed
Senate passage as amended reported
lower
May 25, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed
upper
May 25, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed to 3rd reading as amended
upper
May 25, 2025
Upper · Passed
Amended
upper
May 25, 2025
Introduced
Amendment(s) offered
upper
May 23, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee report printed and distributed
upper
May 23, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported favorably as substituted
upper
May 21, 2025
Upper · Passed
Vote taken in committee
upper
May 13, 2025
Upper · Passed
Left pending in committee
upper
May 13, 2025
Upper · Passed
Testimony taken in committee
upper
May 5, 2025
Committee
Referred to Health & Human Services
upper
May 5, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
upper
May 5, 2025
Introduced
Received from the House
upper
May 1, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed
lower
Apr 30, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed to engrossment
lower
Apr 25, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report sent to Calendars
lower
Apr 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report distributed
lower
Apr 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably as substituted
lower
Apr 14, 2025
Lower · Passed
Left pending in committee
lower
Apr 14, 2025
Lower · Passed
Testimony taken/registration(s) recorded in committee
lower
Mar 14, 2025
Committee
Referred to Public Health
lower
Mar 14, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
2 primary · 3 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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