The Texas House voted to approve House Bill 475 on May 20, extending Medicaid coverage and reimbursement to multisystemic therapy, a family‑based program sponsored on the floor by Representative Johnson.

Supporters said the program gives families and children a short, intensive treatment option that targets the root causes of delinquent behavior. Speaker Phelan described MST as “the off ramp we talk about,” urging the chamber to back a therapy he said can keep children out of juvenile and adult corrections.

Representative Phelan, speaking in favor, said the therapy is designed for “the Medicaid population” and emphasized results-oriented, family‑centered care. “This therapy is how children get out of the system,” he said, calling the program an “off ramp” from juvenile incarceration. Representative Johnson, who closed the debate for the bill, asked colleagues for their support before moving final passage.

Lawmakers described MST as a time‑limited intervention—often three to five months in testimony on the floor—that sends therapists into family homes, works with teachers, and coordinates community supports. Supporters argued MST reduces recidivism and the long‑term social and economic costs tied to incarceration, while opponents raised typical budget and implementation questions during debate.

The bill passed on a record vote. The House clerk recorded 99 ayes and 23 nays on final passage. With House passage complete, the measure will move to the next steps provided by the legislative process for enrollment and conference as needed.

The House debate centered on treatment, rehabilitation and reducing long‑term costs to taxpayers; it did not include implementation dates or specific HHSC rule language for reimbursement. Those operational details will be addressed in agency rulemaking if the bill becomes law.