H.R. 7875: Providing Opportunities for Individuals in Need of Treatment and Support Act of 2026
This bill, titled the "Providing Opportunities for Individuals in Need of Treatment and Support Act of 2026" (or POINTS Act of 2026), aims to establish a grant program focused on supporting individuals struggling with gambling addiction. Here is an outline of what the bill entails:
Grant Program Establishment
The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to set up a new grant program. The primary purpose of this program is to provide funds to:
- States
- Indian Tribes
- Tribal organizations
These grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to help establish, improve, or expand programs that offer:
- Prevention services
- Screening and assessment
- Intervention and treatment services
The services offered must be culturally and linguistically appropriate to meet the needs of diverse populations.
Use of Grant Funds
Entities receiving grants must utilize these funds for various activities related to gambling addiction, which can include:
- Training healthcare providers in screening, brief interventions, referrals, and treatment.
- Implementing public outreach and awareness campaigns about gambling addiction.
- Providing specialized treatment services, which could involve:
- Outpatient treatment services, available in-person or via telehealth.
- Peer support groups, such as programs run by Gamblers Anonymous.
- Establishing or expanding helplines or similar services for intervention and prevention.
- Innovative prevention, intervention, or treatment services, as approved by the Assistant Secretary.
Priority for Grant Applications
The bill mandates that priority be given to applications from entities that:
- Serve populations disproportionately affected by gambling addiction, including men, youth, Native Americans, military members, and veterans.
- Propose programs in primary care settings.
- Partner with community-based organizations to address gambling addiction.
- Operate in health professional shortage areas, including rural regions.
Application Process and Reporting
Applications for grants must be submitted to the Assistant Secretary, detailing how the funds will enhance service access and the number of individuals served. The Assistant Secretary is also responsible for providing technical assistance to grant recipients.
Additionally, the bill requires the Assistant Secretary to submit annual reports starting December 29, 2027, to Congress regarding the effectiveness of these programs.
Funding Appropriations
The bill authorizes funding for the program, starting in fiscal year 2027. Specifically, the amount will be equivalent to 33% of certain funds received by the Treasury related to gambling activities from the previous calendar year, with adjustments for inflation in subsequent years.
Relevant Companies
- GLPI (Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.): May see impacts regarding funding or partnership opportunities for treatment services.
- CHDN (Churchill Downs Incorporated): May experience changes in compliance and responsibility towards treatment programs.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
4 bill sponsors
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Mar. 09, 2026 | Introduced in House |
| Mar. 09, 2026 | Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. |
Corporate Lobbying
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