Neguse files House bill to examine rural mental health services for farmers and ranchers

A measure introduced by U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse in the U.S. House intends to review and enhance access to mental health care for farmers and ranchers experiencing major stressors, according to the U.S. Congress.

H.R.8149 was introduced March 27, 2026, during the 2026 regular session of the 119th Congress. Our summary below is based on the actual bill text and contains interpretation designed to clarify its scope.

The bill calls for the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a review of how accessible addiction and mental health care services are for farmers and ranchers contending with drought, severe weather, unstable markets and misinformation. The review will assess the availability of mental health providers in rural regions, determine barriers to obtaining support, and offer recommendations to improve care for agricultural communities. It will also examine possible funding sources for reimbursable therapy sessions through current federal programs. The Secretary is required to work with stakeholders and produce a report with the study’s results within 180 days of enactment. The legislation provides for $1 million in authorized funding for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2029 to advance these efforts.

Rep. Joe Neguse (Democrat-CO-2nd District) sponsored the bill, joined by Rep. Derrick Van Orden (Republican-CO-3rd District) as a co-sponsor.

From the start of this session, Rep. Neguse has introduced 66 additional pieces of legislation.

Congressional bills may originate in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, except revenue bills, which must start in the House. Following introduction, bills are sent to committees to undergo review, public hearings, amendments and debate before moving to a vote in each chamber. If the House and Senate pass the same version, the legislation is forwarded to the president for signature or veto. Each Congress lasts two years, is numbered sequentially, and split into two annual sessions. Congressional process details and bill history are managed and published by Congress.gov.

Joseph Neguse represents Colorado and was first elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Sixteenth Congress and, subsequently, three more terms starting Jan. 3, 2019. He received a B.A. and J.D. from the University of Colorado, Boulder; served as a university regent from 2009 to 2015; and as executive director of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies from 2015 through 2017.

Information for this article originated from the U.S. Congress. Further details can be accessed here.