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2026 Session

Budget Amendments - HB30 (Member Request)

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Chief Patron: McClure
STEP-VA Task Force and Needs Assessment

Item 270 #2h

Item 270 #2h

First Year - FY2027 Second Year - FY2028
Health and Human Resources
Secretary of Health and Human Resources FY2027 $2,000,000 FY2028 $0 GF

Language
Page 306, line 3, strike "$1,060,134" and insert "$3,060,134".

Page 306, after line 52, insert:

"C.1. The Secretary of Health and Human Resources shall convene a task force to develop a proposed strategic vision for STEP-VA. The task force shall at a minimum include representatives from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), community services boards (CSBs), Virginia Association of Community-Based Providers, and the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) and shall report on the proposed strategic vision to the Behavioral Health Commission for legislative input by July 1, 2027, with a progress update by November 1, 2026. The Secretary shall facilitate a process incorporating public input into the strategic vision adopted by Behavioral Health Commission members and make a final proposal available to the Behavioral Health Commission no later than November 1, 2027.

2. Out of this appropriation, $2,000,000 million the first year from the general fund is provided to conduct a statewide and CSB-level comprehensive needs assessment.  Any funds remaining at the end of the fiscal year shall carry forward for the same purpose. The task force shall develop a process no later than November 1, 2026 for conducting the statewide assessment. The needs assessment shall be conducted by a third-party and include all information needed to understand unmet need for behavioral health care in Virginia and to fulfill the requirements of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic state needs assessment and community need assessments. The task force shall convene a team to draft a request for proposal from third-party entities qualified to undertake a needs assessment of this kind and magnitude; outline the scope, deliverables, and a timeline expected from the vendor; and review and select the winning proposal. The task force should have equal representation between CSBs and DBHDS and include representatives from DMAS, and other relevant stakeholders. The needs assessment shall be completed and its findings reported to the Behavioral Health Commission no later than October 1, 2027."



Explanation

(This amendment provides $2.0 million the first year from the general fund to conduct a needs assessment and directs the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to convene a task force on the long term vision of STEP-VA.)