US HB8149

Secretary of Agriculture, through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, must conduct a study on accessibility of addiction and mental health care for farmers and ranchers impacted by drought, extreme weather, commodities market instability, and consumer misinformation

Study must examine availability of rural mental health providers, barriers to care access (financial, geographic, cultural), and identify best practices from state/local programs that could be replicated federally

Report due to House and Senate Agriculture Committees within 180 days of enactment, with required collaboration from federal agencies, state agriculture departments, mental health organizations, and agricultural stakeholders

Study must assess feasibility of providing 6 reimbursable therapy sessions through the existing Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network

Authorizes $1,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2029