Policy Analysis and Information

The Hogg Foundation serves as an information resource to policy makers by providing technical assistance to legislative and state agency staff on mental health issues. Upon request, the foundation provides written and oral testimony at legislative hearings, interim hearings and public forums addressing mental health policy. The foundation also develops and makes available informational documents such as policy briefs, fact sheets and reports addressing mental health policies.

Texas Legislature
The Texas Legislature meets from early January through the end of May in each odd-numbered year. During the regular session, the foundation tracks the progress of bills related to mental health, attends committee hearings and floor discussions, and provides resource information when requested by legislators or their staff. During the interim between sessions, the foundation monitors interim committees, attends public meetings and hearings, analyzes interim reports, and offers recommendations for systems change.

Texas 82nd Legislative Session - Summary of Mental Health-Related Legislation: biennial report outlining the mental health-related legislation during Texas’ most recent session.

Crisis Point: Mental Health Workforce Shortages in Texas: policy brief that discusses why mental health matters, factors contributing to the crisis, consequences to Texas, statistics and recommendations

State & Local Government
At the administrative level, the foundation regularly participates in state and local agency meetings regarding policies that affect mental health services and programs in Texas. The foundation also participates in various rule making initiatives, offers resource information, and provides technical assistance on mental health policy.

Several foundation staff who are trained mental health or policy professionals, mental health consumers, or family members of consumers have been appointed to various national, state and local public advisory committees, boards and legislative workgroups that address mental health public policy. Participating on these councils, workgroups and advisory committees provides significant opportunities to help shape mental health policies in Texas.

The foundation does not lobby or take positions on specific legislative proposals.