Video & Transcript : 'addiction support' :

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CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Health Committee Feb 18th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm an addiction psychiatrist.
  • And so, as an addiction physician, I...
  • I'm in support of AB 1088.
  • I thus became addicted to it.
  • I thus became addicted to it.
Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), focusing on public health risks, overdose deaths, and regulatory gaps in California. The chair opened by noting that FDA and CDPH consider kratom and 7-OH products unlawful, yet they remain widely sold in smoke shops, vape stores, gas stations, and convenience stores. Members referenced AB 1088, which would be considered later, and said the hearing was intended to clarify the science, medical perspective, and whether stronger safeguards are needed. The first panel featured a toxicology expert, state and local public health officials, an emergency/addiction physician, a medical examiner, and county health representatives. Witnesses from CDPH and Los Angeles County described rising deaths and enforcement actions, including statewide advisories, retailer letters, and product removals from manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Medical testimony emphasized that 7-OH acts much more like an opioid than traditional kratom leaf, can cause dependence, withdrawal, and respiratory depression, and may require naloxone, buprenorphine, or methadone in overdose or withdrawal cases. Local officials said enforcement is difficult because packaging is inconsistent, testing capacity is limited, and counties lack resources and statewide infrastructure; they generally favored a centralized state framework if regulation is pursued. Committee members asked about testing, age restrictions, scheduling, and whether a distinction between kratom and 7-OH could be enforced. Witnesses said forensic labs can potentially test for 7-OH but validated assays are not routine, emergency departments cannot readily distinguish exposures, and local health departments do not have the lab capacity to verify product labels. Several officials warned that a ban or abrupt scheduling could push products into the black market and discourage research, while others argued that current prohibition and enforcement are the most protective approach because legalization or age-limited regulation could create confusion about legality and safety. The second panel included kratom and 7-OH advocates and industry representatives, who argued that natural kratom leaf and concentrated or synthetic 7-OH are different products and should be regulated differently. They supported age-gating, labeling, testing, and packaging rules for kratom leaf while opposing a ban on the botanical. They said 7-OH is used by many adults for pain relief or harm reduction, and that prohibition would drive consumers to illicit markets and worsen harm. Committee members pressed them on whether 7-OH is more potent than kratom, the availability of testing, and whether any safe dose is known. The hearing ended without a vote or formal action, with the chair noting the issue will continue to be considered in future legislation.
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders - 01/29/2026

Alcoholism And Substance Use Disorders

Transcript Highlights:
  • So I will have proposals this year that I hope that everyone can follow and support to make sure that
  • To the NYS Father Peter Young Memorial Addiction Professional Scholarship Program.
  • centers operated by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports.
  • addictions.
  • Services and Supports, and regulations for providers.
Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders held its first meeting of 2026, chaired by Senator Nathalia Fernandez, who opened with remarks about the committee’s recent work, declining overdose deaths in New York overall, continuing disparities in some communities, and the need to protect state funding amid possible federal cuts. She also emphasized alcohol-related harm, the importance of maintaining treatment and recovery supports, and the need to prepare for expanded gambling with downstate casino development. Senator Rob Rawlinson and Ranking Member Senator Oberacker participated, with Oberacker later praising the committee’s bipartisan approach and Fernandez’s leadership. The committee considered eight bills, all of which were advanced. The measures included S. 489 on referrals to appropriate substance use disorder service providers; a scholarship program bill for addiction professionals; S. 1812 on certifying innovative statewide substance use disorder treatment services; S. 3632 establishing a problem gambling advisory council; S. 4950 concerning payment of substances at addiction treatment centers operated by OASAS; S. 4953 creating an intensive addiction and medical services integrated services pilot program; S. 5105 directing OASAS to issue rules for providers in rural locations; and S. 5382 related to privacy protections for chemical dependency services. Several of the bills were sponsored by Senator Fernandez, while others were sponsored by Senator Peter Harckham and Senator Harkham. Discussion focused heavily on integrated care, co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, the value of dual licensing and collaboration among providers, and the practical barriers faced in rural areas, including long travel distances, weather, transportation shortages, and limited broadband for telehealth. Members also noted the importance of privacy in treatment settings and the need for accessible, centralized services so people are less likely to fall through the cracks. Each bill was moved and reported either to the calendar or to finance, with no negative votes recorded.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • We built on all of that momentum, and I feel like we have bipartisan support.
  • We built on all of that momentum, and I feel like we have bipartisan support.
  • </c> number of people who have the addiction number of people who have the addiction which<00:05:25.000
  • </c><00:15:14.720><c> problems</c> basically grow our addiction problems basically grow our addiction
  • You know, bipartisan support, bipartisan opposition.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • I, for one, am supporting it.
  • And we ask for support. Thank you. Anyone else here in support of this bill?
  • Consumer Reports is proud to support AB 1921. Consumer Reports is proud to support AB 1921.
  • And I very much support that.
  • from EQCA—strong support.
Summary: The committee heard AB 1988, which would require AI companion chatbots to respond to credible self-harm or violence-related crisis expressions by displaying the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, warning users, and pausing the chat for human review after repeated crisis signals. The author and supporters said the bill is a measured safety standard to redirect vulnerable users to human help, citing research and cases where chatbots worsened suicidal ideation or violent behavior. Support came from crisis and medical advocates, while no opposition testimony was offered. The chair and members expressed strong support, and the bill was held pending quorum before later action on the agenda. The committee then took up AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for users to create or maintain accounts on social media platforms with harmful addictive features and would create an E-Safety Advisory Commission in the Attorney General’s office. The author argued the bill targets product design, not speech, and is intended to curb compulsive features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and algorithmic feeds while allowing safer or non-addictive platforms to remain available. Supporters, including a psychologist and the Organization for Social Media Safety, described cyberbullying, predation, compulsive use, and mental health harms; opponents, including EFF, ACLU-Cal Action, TechNet, and youth advocacy groups, warned about privacy, First Amendment, and access-to-community concerns, especially for LGBTQ youth and other marginalized groups. Committee members debated whether the bill is a ban or a delay, how age assurance would work, and whether the proposal would be effective or could push youth to less safe spaces. Several members said they would support the bill as a first step, while others raised concerns about enforceability, privacy, and constitutional issues. The author emphasized that the bill is limited to specific harmful design features, not content or general internet access, and that the new commission would monitor evolving technology and recommend future updates. No final vote was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Colleen Ryan said the American Society of Addiction Medicine leadership fully supports what she is saying
  • I'm an addiction<00:47:36.480><c> specialist.</c> addiction specialist. addiction specialist.
  • That's for addiction.
  • That's for addiction.
  • </c> addiction specialist. addiction specialist.
Summary: The subcommittee met on October 14, approved the minutes, and then took up a large group of staff-suggested amendments to multiple regulations. Those staff amendments were approved without objection and were described as technical changes needed to comply with KRS Chapter 13A and other governing law. The committee then moved out of order to consider Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure regulation 2011 KAR 9:270, which governs buprenorphine prescribing and related standards. Board representatives said the regulation has been updated over time since 2015 and that the current amendments are intended to streamline the rule, remove outdated federal references such as the X-waiver, narrow education requirements to addiction-related topics, and create exceptions for settings like emergency rooms and certain pain treatment situations. The agency amendment would also allow buprenorphine monoproduct for up to 30 days when a patient is transitioning from a full opioid agonist, and would add physicians certified in addiction medicine as eligible specialty consultants. Board officials said the regulation was developed through a two-year process with a work group, informal outreach to medical organizations, and multiple comment periods, and they argued the rule is working because overdose deaths have declined and provider numbers have increased. Several witnesses and committee members raised concerns that the regulation remains too restrictive. Senator Rocky Adams noted that major medical organizations had said the proposed language could restrict access and worsen overdose risk, and he questioned whether the committee was being asked to choose between conflicting expert views. Opponents, including a medical student, a recovery advocate, and Dr. Colleen Ryan of the Kentucky Society of Addiction Medicine, argued the rule is outdated, creates unnecessary barriers to buprenorphine treatment, and should be repealed or substantially revised to align with federal guidance and evidence-based care. They said rigid requirements can discourage treatment and that addiction should be treated like other chronic illnesses. No final vote on the medical licensure regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, and the discussion ended with the chair preparing to hear from additional opponents.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:02:30.959><c> And</c> of Commerce, Hawaii in support. And of Commerce, Hawaii in support.
  • Uh, yeah, comments support, right?
  • </c> Heavlin in support.
  • Douglas Perin in support, Jenny Yagodic in support, Andrew Evans in support, and Wani Knight in support
  • Chairman Monoi Chamber of Commerce in support. George Joseph on Zoom. Yes, I do support.
Summary: The joint committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Economic Development and Tourism heard three measures. HB 450, which would transfer the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, drew support from DBEDT, the State Foundation, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, DAGs, and individuals. Members asked about the bill’s purpose and the relationship between arts administration and international/cultural considerations. The committees voted to pass HB 450 with amendments, including a housekeeping change allowing specific legislative direction in narrow cases; the measure was adopted with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. HB 437, relating to out-of-state offices, received testimony in support from DBEDT and representatives of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and another individual. The discussion focused on whether an overseas office in the Philippines was the best use of funds, given existing offices and trade relationships in places like Beijing and Taiwan. Members questioned the return on investment, fiscal priorities, and whether DBEDT had a broader strategic plan for selecting markets. The committees ultimately passed HB 437 with a Senate Draft 1 and technical amendments, with some members voting with reservations. HB 1391, relating to trade and creating a Hawaii-Ireland trade commission, also advanced after a lengthy discussion. DBEDT said it offered comments rather than a firm recommendation and explained that the bill appeared intended to build economic ties with Europe through Ireland, but members questioned why a commission was needed, how it would be structured, and whether similar efforts should focus on other countries. DBEDT said it would provide reports on sister-state relationships and office performance, and noted that trade initiatives would likely require private-sector participation. The committees passed HB 1391 with amendments and reservations from some members.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (03/20/2026)

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> John Coughlin does support this bill. John Coughlin does support this bill.
  • been statistically shown to work in the state to support those with long-term addiction and to get them
  • been statistically shown to work in the state to support those with long-term addiction and to get them
  • been statistically shown to work in the state to support those with long-term addiction and to get them
  • shown to work in the state to support those with long-term addiction and to get them back to a path
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> member support. member support.
  • </c> addictive product. addictive product.
  • </c> addiction is leading to is violence. addiction is leading to is violence.
  • I'm in support of it.
  • . addiction. addiction.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • I urge member support. All bipartisan. I urge member support.
  • </c> the addictive features for all children? the addictive features for all children?
  • that we need to support our kids, support<00:31:29.760><c> support</c><00:31:30.080><c> families</c>
  • <00:31:30.399><c> in</c><00:31:30.640><c> Minnesota,</c> support support families in Minnesota, support
  • I support them. It's the kids code bill. I support them.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 28th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I also appreciate the bipartisan support of the many co-authors who have signed on in support of improving
  • I ask for your support and move passage. The question of courage.
  • Going to jail and you owe child support and you have a child support order.
  • Again, I wear it out of support for my TCU Horned Frogs.
  • You're absolutely right, and I appreciate your support. I move passage.
Bills: HJR98 , HJR8 , HJR133 , HB23 , HB33 , HB144 , HB 109 , HB 103 , HB148 , HB3809 , HB1686 , HB2217 , HB2156 , HB220 , HB2421 , HB2363 , HB3773 , HB421 , HB2584 , HB2615 , HB2455 , HB3711 , HB2559 , HB3747 , HB2775 , HB2886 , HB3126 , HB3666 , HB3595 , HB3260 , HB3506 , HB1638 , HB3376 , HB3826 , HB3628 , HB1349 , HB3770 , HB1831 , HB1762 , HB2614 , HB3113 , HB267 , HB322 , HB431 , HB869 , HB 1203 , HB 1201 , HB 1244 , HB1875 , HB1950 , HB2152 , HB2290 , HB2341 , HB2436 , HB2809 , HB2856 , HB3012 , HB2954 , HCR56 , HCR102 , HB 107 , HB1587 , HB3684 , HB658 , HJR99 , HB1399 , HJR5 , HJR2 , HJR6 , HJR31 , HB1971 , SJR3 , HB1775 , HJR72 , HB502 , HB3109 , HJR98 , HJR8 , HJR133 , HB 118 , HB388 , HB 114 , HB205 , HB2789 , HB2791 , HB499 , HB2960 , HB3163 , HB3135 , HB2427 , HB1618 , HB1672 , HB1722 , HB1338 , HB787 , HB2618 , HB879 , HB 1126 , HB4134 , HB3513 , HB718 , HB1536 , HB1445 , HB1640 , HB1893 , HB1734 , HB3229 , HB3306 , HB 1276 , HB3272 , HB3276 , HB3516 , HB4145 , HB1585 , HB4810 , HB2989 , HB2558 , HB3014 , HB2742 , HB1695 , HB23 , HB33 , HB144 , HB 109 , HB 103 , HB148 , HB3809 , HB1686 , HB2217 , HB2156 , HB220 , HB2421 , HB2363 , HB3773 , HB421 , HB2584 , HB2615 , HB2455 , HB3711 , HB2559 , HB3747 , HB2775 , HB2886 , HB3126 , HB3666 , HB3595 , HB3260 , HB3506 , HB1638 , HB3376 , HB3826 , HB3628 , HB1349 , HB3770 , HB1831 , HB1762 , HB2614 , HB3113 , HB267 , HB322 , HB431 , HB869 , HB 1203 , HB 1201 , HB 1244 , HB1875 , HB1950 , HB2152 , HB2290 , HB2341 , HB2436 , HB2809 , HB2856 , HB3012 , HB2954 , HCR56 , HCR102
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/17/26

Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> would encourage you to support HF 44138. would encourage you to support HF 44138.
  • I'm here today to give my support for the Stop Harms from Addictive Social Media Bill.
  • Addiction is a clinical term.
  • I'm glad to support it."
  • </c> glad to support it. glad to support it.
Bills: HF3479 , HF4205 , HF3782 , HF4081 , HF4138
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Emerging Issues Feb 25th, 2026

Emerging Issues

Transcript Highlights:
  • They lose a business that supports the ball teams, supports the school, and keeps people working.
  • But my next question is: Is there labor support on this? I mean, the union support?
  • Anybody in support of? What? Mr.
  • The FDA has cherry-picked studies to support a narrative that is highly addictive and dangerous. 7-OH
  • And our data supports that.
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • They had harm reduction organizations that linked them to addiction services.
  • They need breathing support. Our oral medications are not working.
  • I'm an addiction medicine physician and general internist.
  • We have a mobile van that includes a clinic and addiction services.
  • Jha, supported by BSAS.
Summary: The Special Commission on xylazine held its first meeting, with House Chair Mindy Domb and Senate Co-Chair John Keenan outlining the commission’s charge and a proposed work plan. The commission is tasked with studying the public health and safety impacts of xylazine in the illicit drug supply, including whether it should be scheduled as a controlled substance, how to regulate its production and distribution, and how to improve outreach and treatment for people exposed to it. Members were told the report deadline had been extended to March 30, 2026, and staff proposed a series of public hearings and working groups leading to a final report. The meeting also included attendance, packet materials, and procedural planning. The first major testimony came from BSAS Director Deirdre Calvert, who described xylazine’s appearance in Massachusetts drug supply data, the state’s public health alerts, and DPH’s partnership with Brandeis, CDC, and harm reduction organizations. She emphasized four priorities: reducing stigma and discrimination in health care, expanding self-directed wound care support and coverage for supplies, expanding access to drug checking and test strips, and supporting low-barrier services such as mobile vans and drop-in centers. Commission members asked about first responder awareness, medical education, and whether harm reduction services might face federal restrictions; Calvert said misinformation remains a problem and noted ongoing training efforts, including collaboration with public safety agencies. Several other speakers reinforced the need for low-barrier care and drug checking. Dr. Raghini Jala, an infectious disease and addiction medicine physician, said xylazine has become a common component of the unregulated opioid supply and urged support for rapid-response education teams, community-based drug checking, and better hospital and detox protocols for xylazine withdrawal and wounds. Recovery coach Alan Young testified from lived experience, describing severe wounds, fear of inadequate withdrawal treatment in emergency settings, and the value of mobile care vans that can provide methadone, buprenorphine, and wound care in the community. Dr. Sarah Wakeman echoed the need for naloxone, rescue breathing, low-threshold treatment, and non-stigmatizing health care settings, while Sarah Macon of the Boston Public Health Commission described Boston’s harm reduction and drug checking work, including on-site testing, wound care, and a decline in opioid mortality. Tracy Green of the Massachusetts Drug Supply Data Stream explained that xylazine has declined in recent samples while metatomidine is rising, said drug checking is increasingly used but still not enough, and argued for more funding, staffing, and statewide access to real-time drug checking and harm reduction services.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Apr 16th, 2026

Privacy and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • I, for one, am supporting it.
  • And we ask for support. Thank you. Anyone else here in support of this bill?
  • We're in strong support.
  • from EQCA, strong support.
  • from EQCA strong support.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Mar 25th, 2026

Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:
  • I do not support Senate Bill 1419.
  • I support regulation.
  • I support responsible regulation.
  • And so, yes, I'm an addiction medicine doc. I'm an addiction medicine doctor.
  • I treat people with addiction.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Emerging Issues Feb 25th, 2026

Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Transcript Highlights:
  • They lose a business that supports the ball teams, supports the school, and keeps people working.
  • But my next question is, is there labor support on this? I mean, the union support?
  • Anybody in support of? What? Mr.
  • The FDA has cherry-picked studies to support a narrative that is highly addictive and dangerous. 7-OH
  • And our data supports that.
Summary: The committee first met in executive session and adopted House Committee Substitutes, then passed several bills by roll call vote. HCS for House Bills 1746 and 1769 was adopted and then voted do pass by 10-0. HCS for House Bill 3005 was adopted and passed 10-0 after the sponsor explained it removed a sentence requiring specific local review boards in library appeals processes. HCS for House Bills 1717 and 1643, dealing with alternative therapies, passed 7-2 with two present. HCS for House Bills 2817 and 2961 passed 8-1 with two present. HCS for House Bills 2035 and 2350 passed 10-0 with one present after a brief question about statutory citations. HCS for House Bills 1887, 2361, 1913, 2862, and 2321, a combined bill package, also passed 10-0 after members discussed digital depiction language and written victim request provisions. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 1914, which would change Missouri’s franchise law on warranty and recall reimbursement for auto dealers. Rep. David Castile presented the bill as a fairness measure, arguing manufacturers should pay dealers market-rate labor and parts reimbursement and that current warranty work often loses money for dealers and hurts service access. Supporters, including several dealers and technicians, said manufacturer time guides underpay warranty work, that the bill would help retain technicians, and that current appeal processes are cumbersome and time-consuming. They described large gaps between warranty and customer-pay labor times and said technicians often invest heavily in tools and training. Opponents, including the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Toyota, General Motors, Ford, and business groups, argued the bill would raise costs for consumers, amount to a large increase in dealer compensation, and interfere with existing contracts. They said manufacturers already provide a process for requesting additional time, that most requests are approved, and that warranty work remains a profitable captive source of business for dealers. Several witnesses also argued the bill would not directly raise technician wages because technicians are employed by dealers, not manufacturers, and suggested broader competition or allowing independent repair shops instead. The hearing featured extensive questioning about recall versus warranty work, labor time guides, documentation requirements, and whether the legislature should be involved in these franchise disputes.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Health and Mental Health Jan 22nd, 2026 at 08:00 am

Health and Mental Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • So that's why I strongly support this bill. support this bill. I'll lean in.
  • We all know someone that has been addicted to opioids or drugs.
  • So I encourage each of you to support this bill.
  • Next up in support. Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Next up in support.
  • So I ask you today to please support House Bill 2596.
Summary: The Committee on Health and Mental Health met with a quorum, first voting in executive session to do pass House Bill 1977 and House Bill 2146, both by unanimous 12-0 roll call votes. The committee then heard House Bills 1680, 1966, 2296, and 2642, a package sponsored by Representatives Stinnett, Haden, Sites, and Peters aimed at requiring health plans to cover non-opioid medications for acute pain without forcing patients to try opioids first or pay higher cost-sharing. Sponsors and supporters described the bills as a response to opioid addiction and argued they would preserve patient choice and improve access to safer pain management options. Several witnesses from healthcare, recovery, and advocacy groups testified in favor, including the Missouri State Medical Association, PreventEd, Reach Healthcare Foundation, and recovery organizations, with multiple members sharing personal stories about opioid dependence and overdose. Opponents from the Missouri Insurance Coalition and America’s Health Insurance Plans said they supported the goal but objected to the drafting, arguing the language was too narrow, appeared to center on one FDA-approved non-opioid drug for acute pain, and would limit insurers’ ability to use formularies, step therapy, and cost-sharing differences. Committee members pressed the insurance witnesses on whether insurers should override physician judgment, and sponsors said they were open to discussing broader language. No vote was taken on these bills during the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 2596 from Representative McGaugh, which would update Missouri law governing multiple employer self-insured health plans (MEWAs) for small businesses. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and several chamber and business witnesses supported the bill, saying the plans help small employers pool risk, offer competitive health benefits, retain workers, and remain affordable; they said the bill would modernize eligibility rules for sole proprietors with employees and update surplus requirements to a more risk-based standard. Committee discussion focused on how the plans work, their solvency protections, and the difference between this arrangement and the Farm Bureau plan. No opposition was presented, and the hearing on HB 2596 concluded without a vote.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee Jun 22nd, 2026

Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • I support AB 1709.
  • At the same time, and the reason why I have been not supportive over time of bills... ...that these addictive
  • And the definition of addictive features and addictive feeds, this is new ground.
  • Here is a witness in support. Here is a witness in support.
  • I support the bill.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • I support AB 1709.
  • And the definition of addictive features and addictive feeds, this is new ground.
  • Here is a witness in support.
  • Ignacio Hernandez registering support for the United Video Game Workers, CWA, in support.
  • I think I support—I support—I support the bill.
Summary: The committee first heard AB 1159, which would update California student data privacy law for educational technology and college-level platforms. The author and supporters argued that students’ personal information is being collected and used far beyond educational purposes, including sensitive health and demographic data, and said the bill would limit misuse and add stronger privacy protections. Support came from privacy, labor, education, and civil rights groups, while opposition from college store and industry representatives focused on narrowing the definition of “operator,” preserving institution-related communications, and concerns about the bill’s private right of action. Members raised questions about how the bill would affect scholarships, financial aid, adult students, consent, and litigation; the author said the bill includes a right to cure and notice to the Attorney General. The committee voted 4-0 to pass the bill to Appropriations, with the measure placed on call. The committee then took up AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts on platforms with specified addictive design features and create a youth safety commission. The author, pediatric and safety advocates, and several public supporters argued that social media companies intentionally design compulsive features that harm youth mental health, sleep, and development, and that the bill is a necessary product-safety response. Opponents argued the bill is overbroad, may be ineffective, raises First Amendment concerns, and could cut off vulnerable youth from important online support networks. Members focused heavily on possible amendments, especially a non-addictive feed option for younger users and strengthening the commission; the author said he was open to those changes and to further work with the committees. The bill was moved to Judiciary on a 5-0 vote and placed on call. At the end of the excerpt, the author began presenting a third measure, AB 2076, which would strengthen California’s Parents’ Accountability and Child Protection Act by adding nitrous oxide to the list of age-verified dangerous products, banning purchase with gift cards or store credit, and increasing penalties for large sellers. The author described nitrous oxide as increasingly accessible to minors online and cited enforcement gaps in the current law, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or action on that bill.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Psilocybin therapeutic use program established 3/9/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And as an addiction psychiatrist, I have not once in my career seen anyone with an addiction to psilocybin
  • I urge your support of this bill.
  • Please support this bill.
  • Please support this bill.
  • Please support this bill.