Overview
Title
To authorize the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use to award formula grants to the States to address gambling addiction, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
H.R. 6982 is a plan to give money to states to help people who have problems with gambling; it also lets scientists study why people might get addicted to gambling.
Summary AI
H.R. 6982 aims to help states address gambling addiction by providing them with formula grants through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use. The bill also allows the National Institute on Drug Abuse to fund research on gambling addiction. It calls for a report on the effectiveness of these programs within three years and outlines specific funding levels based on tax revenues for both grant distribution and research efforts from 2023 to 2032.
Published
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Bill Statistics
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AnalysisAI
Summary of the Bill
H.R. 6982, introduced in the 118th Congress, aims to combat gambling addiction through federal support. This legislative proposal authorizes the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use to award formula grants to states, leveraging an allocation model akin to the distribution of block grants for substance abuse prevention and treatment. Additionally, the bill permits the National Institute on Drug Abuse to provide grants for research initiatives related to gambling addiction. The funding is designed to be consistent over fiscal years 2023 through 2032, relying on specific percentages of tax revenues collected from wagering.
Significant Issues
The bill presents several important issues:
Fund Allocation Challenges: The use of block grant ratios for allocating funds may not reflect the specific needs of each state, which could vary significantly. This approach risks inequitable distribution, failing to address states with emerging or particularly severe gambling addiction problems.
Grant Application and Distribution: States that do not apply for these grants lose their share, which is reallocated to others. This might put smaller or less resourceful states at a disadvantage, potentially widening disparities in how effectively gambling addiction is addressed across the country.
Complexity of Legal References: Definitions in the bill rely on external statutes, such as the Public Health Service Act, possibly complicating understanding for those unfamiliar with these references.
Dependency on Tax Revenue: The bill ties funding to specific tax revenues, which can fluctuate. This dependency introduces potential instability in the availability of funds, impacting the planning and sustainability of addiction treatment programs.
Rigid Financial Framework: The fixed percentages of appropriations may prove inadequate or excessive depending on actual needs, limiting the flexibility to adapt to changes in gambling addiction prevalence or severity.
Potential Impact on the Public
Broadly, the bill seeks to enhance the capacity of states to address gambling addiction, a growing concern with potential to heavily impact individuals and communities. By providing financial support and backing research efforts, the legislation could improve treatment availability and understandings of gambling addiction. However, its efficiency hinges on addressing the aforementioned issues, particularly the fair distribution of funds and dependency on tax revenues.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
States and Local Governments: Those capable of promptly applying and equipped with appropriate resources would benefit more than less prepared or smaller states. This discrepancy could exacerbate regional inequalities in addiction support services.
Individuals with Gambling Addictions: Access to improved treatment and research findings might offer better recovery pathways and prevention strategies. However, variations in state-level implementation could lead to unequal service quality and availability.
Researchers and Health Agencies: The bill provides an opportunity for increased research funding, potentially leading to valuable insights into gambling addiction. This could foster innovation in treatment and prevention methods, benefiting the field at large.
Taxpayers: With funding derived from specific tax revenues, the financial impact on taxpayers is indirect. However, successful outcomes might decrease the socio-economic burdens associated with gambling addiction, which can be felt across communities.
In conclusion, while H.R. 6982 aims to address a critical public health issue, its success will depend on navigating the complexities of fund allocation and ensuring that all states, regardless of size or existing resources, can benefit equitably from its provisions.
Issues
The allocation of funds based on existing block grant ratios might not adequately address specific state needs or changes in gambling addiction patterns, potentially leading to inequities in funding distribution across states. (See Section 2(a)(2)(A))
The reallocation process for states that do not apply for grants may disadvantage states with smaller populations or fewer resources to apply, potentially exacerbating disparities in addressing gambling addiction. (See Section 2(a)(2)(B))
The definition of 'State' relies on an external source from the Public Health Service Act, which might complicate understanding and require cross-referencing by readers unfamiliar with the source material. (See Section 2(a)(3))
The authorization of appropriations is tied to specific tax revenues under section 4401(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, which could create dependency on fluctuating tax revenues, potentially affecting the stability and predictability of funding. (See Section 2(d))
The appropriated amounts (37.5% and 12.5% of estimated tax revenues) may either exceed or fall short of actual needs, limiting the flexibility to adapt funding to varying needs over time. (See Section 2(d))
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the Act provides its official name, which is the "Gambling Addiction, Recovery, Investment, and Treatment Act."
2. Grants to address gambling addiction Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines a plan where the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use will distribute grants to states to combat gambling addiction, using ratios similar to those used for substance abuse prevention and treatment. If a state does not apply for a grant, its funds will be reallocated. Additionally, the National Institute on Drug Abuse can also give grants for research on gambling addiction, with a report to Congress on the programs' effectiveness required within three years. The funding for these initiatives is based on specific percentages of tax revenue from a previous year, authorized for fiscal years 2023 through 2032.