TX HB2542

Requires the Health and Human Services Commission executive commissioner to establish a work group by October 1, 2025, to study specialized services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, including those with mental health conditions or high behavioral needs

Work group membership includes representatives from the Department of Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Commission on Jail Standards, local IDD authorities, managed care organizations, service providers, individuals/family members receiving various care settings, and multiple HHSC divisions

Study must evaluate accessibility and quality of existing services, identify service gaps (including inpatient psychiatric care for those with co-occurring mental health conditions), assess funding adequacy, workforce availability, interest list wait times, and identify best practices from other states

Report due to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house, and relevant legislative committees by December 1, 2026, with findings, recommendations for addressing service gaps, funding improvements, workforce development, and proposed legislative or administrative actions

Work group expires and is abolished December 31, 2026; Act takes effect September 1, 2025