Bill · H.R. 8149· House(119-HR-8149)
Agricultural Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care Act
- Introduced
- 3/27/2026
- Last activity
- 4/3/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
- Sponsored by
- Joe Neguse
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Agricultural Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care Act," requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study regarding mental health and addiction care. The study focuses on farmers and ranchers facing challenges like drought, extreme weather, market instability, and consumer misinformation. It aims to examine the availability of trained providers in rural areas and identify barriers to accessing care. The study will also look at best practices, such as telehealth, training, and outreach programs. Finally, the Secretary will report these findings to relevant House and Senate committees.
Yes· 3 of 10
Would farmers be better off under this?+5
The bill specifically targets improving mental health and addiction care accessibility for farmers and ranchers.
Does this make mental health care easier to get?+5
The bill directs a study to identify ways to improve accessibility to addiction and mental health care for agricultural workers.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+4
The bill seeks to improve healthcare accessibility and telehealth in rural communities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Access to Care: The study examines the availability and accessibility of providers trained to serve the specific needs of farmers, ranchers, agricultural workers, and their families in rural areas (Section 3(b)(1)).
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Identification of Barriers: The bill seeks to identify financial, geographic, and cultural barriers that currently prevent farmers and ranchers from accessing health and wellness resources (Section 3(b)(2)).
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Implementation of Best Practices: The study investigates several ways to improve care, including expanding telehealth and telemedicine, developing peer-to-peer support through certificate programs, and creating effective curricula for youth in rural schools (Section 3(b)(3)(C-E)).
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Reduction of Stigma: The research includes developing outreach and educational programs intended to reduce stigma and increase awareness of mental health issues in agricultural communities (Section 3(b)(3)(F)).
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Potential Financial Assistance Research: The study will look into the feasibility of providing funding for six reimbursable therapy sessions through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (Section 3(b)(5)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+5Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Children+2Good For Students+2Good For Young Adults+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+5Improves Healthcare Access+3Improves Opioid Crisis Response+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+2
- 9/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/3/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
- 3/27/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Josh RileyDemocrat · New York
Derrick Van OrdenRepublican · Wisconsin