Agricultural Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Mental Health Care Act of 2025

Bill Number

S. 1074

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-14: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Last Updated

2025-04-21T12:24:17Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation, titled the "Agricultural Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Mental Health Care Act of 2025," aims to address gaps in mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) care for farmers and ranchers by mandating a comprehensive federal study. Its goal is to evaluate access to these services in rural and agricultural communities and identify ways to improve them, ultimately supporting the well-being of those in agriculture.

Key Provisions

• Study Requirement: The Comptroller General of the United States (head of the Government Accountability Office, an independent agency that audits federal programs) must conduct a study on the accessibility of SUD treatment and mental health care providers and services specifically for farmers, ranchers, agricultural workers, and their families.
• Timeline and Reporting: The study must be completed and a report submitted no later than 2 years after the bill's enactment. The report goes to key officials and committees, including:
• The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
• Senate committees: Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; and Finance.
• House committees: Agriculture; Energy and Commerce; and Ways and Means.
• Study Topics: The study must examine:
• Availability and access to specialized providers and services in rural areas.
• Barriers to care, such as financial costs, geographic distance, and cultural factors (e.g., stigma in farming communities).
• Best practices and successful state/local programs that could be scaled federally, including:
• Training professionals with expertise in agricultural needs.
• Cultural competency training for existing providers.
• Peer-to-peer support programs via paraprofessionals or coaches.
• Youth education curricula in rural schools.
• Expansion of telehealth (remote medical consultations via technology).
• Outreach to reduce stigma and raise awareness.
• Better coordination between mental health providers and farm organizations.
• Research to evaluate service effectiveness.
• Use and best practices of the existing Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (a federal program providing mental health support to agricultural communities).
• Recommendations for enhancing access and utilization of SUD and mental health services.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new mandate for a targeted federal study, which does not directly amend prior laws but builds on existing frameworks like the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (established under the 2008 Farm Bill). It creates a formal process to assess and potentially inform expansions or reforms to rural health programs, without altering current statutes immediately.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The Government Accountability Office will conduct the study, potentially increasing workload and resource use. The Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services may use the findings to shape future policies, grants, or telehealth initiatives, leading to more coordinated federal support for rural mental health.
• On Citizens: Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers in rural areas could benefit from improved access to culturally sensitive SUD and mental health services, reducing barriers like distance and stigma. This may enhance overall community health and resilience in agriculture-dependent regions.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. agricultural communities.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Primary Beneficiaries: Farmers, ranchers, agricultural workers, and their families, particularly in rural areas facing high stress from economic and environmental pressures.
• Service Providers: Mental health and SUD treatment professionals, including those in telehealth, peer support, and training programs.
• Government Entities: Federal agencies (e.g., USDA, HHS, Government Accountability Office) and congressional committees overseeing agriculture and health.
• Supporting Organizations: State/local programs, farm stress networks, and agricultural groups involved in outreach and collaboration.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The bill is straightforward and relies on existing congressional authority to direct studies by the Government Accountability Office, with no new enforcement mechanisms or funding specified (implying reliance on current appropriations). It promotes evidence-based policy without imposing mandates on individuals or states.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers under the Commerce Clause to regulate agriculture and public health; no apparent conflicts with federalism, as it encourages voluntary best practices rather than overriding state authority.
• Political: Highlights bipartisan concern (introduced by Senators Bennet and Lummis from different parties) for rural mental health disparities, potentially influencing future farm bills or health legislation. It addresses a politically sensitive issue—farmer suicide rates and substance use—without partisan controversy, focusing on data-driven solutions to build support for agricultural communities.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]

Cosponsors (1)

Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-14: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
• 2025-03-14: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Agricultural Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Mental Health Care Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-14 — PDF (5 pages)