Georgia HB657: Mental health; qualifications of recovery community organizations for substance use; provide

What the bill says

To amend Title 37 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to mental health, so as to provide for the qualifications of recovery community organizations for substance use; to provide for definitions; to provide for the certification of peer specialists; to provide for the approval of certification training bodies; to designate one state-wide recovery community organization; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

From the introduced text:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED To amend Title 37 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to mental health, so as to provide for the qualifications of recovery community organizations for substance use; to provide for definitions; to provide for the certification of peer specialists; to provide for the approval of certification training bodies; to designate one state-wide recovery community organization; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA: SECTION 1. Title 37 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to mental health, is amended in Chapter 1, relating to governing and regulation of mental health, by adding a new Code section to read as follows: "37-1-8. (a) As used in this Code section, the term: (1) 'Certification training body' means an entity approved by the department to provide training and testing for certified peer specialists in accordance with department policy. H. B. LC 52 0794 (2) 'Certified peer specialist' means an individual who is trained and certified to provide ongoing support to individuals and their families receiving mental health or substance use recovery supports and services. Such individual works from the perspective of his or her lived experience and helps build environments conducive to recovery, promoting hope, personal responsibility, empowerment, education, and self-determination …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Matt Brass (R, 6) · primary sponsor
• Leesa Hagan (R, 156) · primary sponsor
• Katie Dempsey (R, 13)
• Mike Cameron (R, 1)
• Debbie Buckner (D, 137)
• Inga Willis (D)
• Matthew Gambill (R, 15)

Latest actions

1. March 31, 2026: Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute
2. March 31, 2026: Senate Third Read
3. March 27, 2026: Senate Read Second Time
4. March 27, 2026: Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
5. February 10, 2026: Senate Read and Referred
6. February 9, 2026: House Passed/Adopted
7. February 9, 2026: House Third Readers
8. February 4, 2026: House Committee Favorably Reported
9. April 4, 2025: House Withdrawn, Recommitted
10. March 6, 2025: House Committee Favorably Reported

Votes

• Senate Vote #906 (March 31, 2026): 47 yea, 1 nay, passed
• House Vote #488 (February 9, 2026): 167 yea, 2 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB657?

HB657 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Mental health; qualifications of recovery community organizations for substance use; provide.

What does HB657 do?

In its own words: To amend Title 37 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to mental health, so as to provide for the qualifications of recovery community organizations for substance use; to provide for definitions; to provide for the certification of peer specialists; to provide for the approval of certification training bodies; to designate one state-wide recovery community organization; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

What is the status of HB657?

Failed as of March 31, 2026. Latest action: Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute (March 31, 2026).

Who sponsored HB657?

Matt Brass (R, 6), with 6 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB657?

On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70936