Video & Transcript : 'addiction support' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- They're addicted.
- They're addicted.
- The cannabis industry is an addiction-for-profit industry.
- I am here today in support of Senator O'Connor and Representative Vaughn's bills S-95 ...today in support
- I urge you to support these bills. Thank you.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held a hearing on a broad set of cannabis and hemp bills, with the chairs opening by emphasizing unfinished work on equity, public health, safety, and market stability. The committee heard testimony on House Bill 146, which would create more efficient cannabis testing standards by increasing batch sizes, reducing or eliminating some environmental testing, standardizing lab reporting, and requiring annual scientific review and public data reporting. Industry witnesses, including a representative of the Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, cultivators, and a testing lab owner, said current testing rules are overly burdensome, costly, and inconsistent, and argued the bill would lower compliance costs while preserving consumer safety. A testing lab witness also said some operators switch labs to obtain higher THC results or pass contaminated batches, and urged greater transparency and better sampling protocols.
A major portion of the hearing focused on intoxicating hemp and related bills that would bring hemp-derived intoxicating products under a stronger regulatory framework. Legislators and industry witnesses described products sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores as often untested, not age-gated, and sometimes mislabeled or far above the federal hemp THC threshold. Testimony from attorneys and cannabis business leaders said states can regulate these products more strictly under the Farm Bill’s non-preemption language, and pointed to New Jersey and other states as possible models. Some witnesses and committee members stressed that any new rules should avoid harming non-intoxicating CBD businesses or lawful hemp farmers, while others argued that the products are effectively cannabis and should be regulated like cannabis for licensing, testing, age limits, and taxation.
The committee also heard extensive public-health testimony in support of bills S. 95, S. 96, S. 97 and their House counterparts H. 191, H. 192, and H. 193. Parents, advocates, and public health professionals urged stronger warning labels, THC potency caps, and improved data collection on cannabis-related harms, citing cannabis-induced psychosis, addiction, anxiety, and youth exposure to high-potency products. Several witnesses said Massachusetts has not done enough to track health outcomes or warn consumers, and referenced other jurisdictions such as Connecticut, Vermont, Colorado, Canada, and Quebec as examples of stronger limits or warnings. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on HB 194, HB 609, HB 1279, HB 1365 (05/27/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> >> Commission on addiction. >> Commission on addiction.
- </c><02:35:35.200><c> is</c> of ridiculous you know addiction is of ridiculous you know addiction is
- addiction<02:35:35.640><c> is</c><02:35:35.760><c> addiction</c><02:35:36.320><c> you</c><02:35:36.440
- ><c> know</c><02:35:37.120><c> the</c><02:35:37.320><c> the</c> addiction is addiction you know the the
- addiction is addiction you know the the you<02:35:37.880><c> know</c><02:35:38.000><c> so</c><02:35:
Summary:
The meeting began as a Committee of Conference on House Bill 194, but the discussion quickly centered on whether to remove an attached bill, 504, because of concerns about a possible fee or tax and a House rule issue. Members debated the procedural posture of the bill, whether the House version had been non-concurred, and whether the conference committee could still resolve the issue by adopting the House amendment or reconsidering the non-concur. The exchange became tense, with one side warning that failing to pass the measure could jeopardize a linked rural health transformation grant worth about $20 million. The committee ultimately recessed without resolving the 194/504 dispute and planned to return the next day.
The committee then opened conference on House Bill 609, which dealt with use-of-force/self-defense language and restraint/seclusion authority in health care settings. On the self-defense portion, House members argued strongly for restoring vehicle language, saying people should be able to defend themselves in a car the same way they can in a home, especially in carjacking or assault situations where no weapon is displayed. Senate members expressed concern about expanding deadly-force protections too broadly and suggested narrowing the language to focus on imminent harm to the person, not property, while also questioning where the provision should be placed in statute.
The second major topic in HB 609 was who may order restraint or seclusion in clinical settings. House members argued that physicians are not always immediately available, especially in hospitals and emergency settings, and that APRNs and physician associates should be able to act in crises if properly trained and credentialed. Senate members raised concerns about scope of practice and asked whether the language implied patient consent was required; the Senate side explained that consent language was intended to address capacity and informed decision-making, not to require voluntary consent to restraint. The discussion ended with the sides still apart, though the Senate floated a compromise allowing physician associates to order restraint when no doctor is physically on the premises, while not yet extending that authority to APRNs. The committee took a short break to continue negotiations on the firearm/self-defense piece.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We are in support of this legislation specifically because it also has the support of the Senate Committee
- supportive of price transparency.
- So I'm here to testify in support. Thank you again for the... opportunity to support this bill.
- We support this bill.
- I support Senate Bill 2024.
Bills:
SB2024 , SB227 , SB268 , SB1467 , SB1580 , HB5537 , SB1313 , SB1677 , SB918 , SB331 , SB2207 , SB2721
Committee:
House Public Health
Keywords:
e-cigarettes, marketing prohibition, youth protection, criminal penalties, public health, school funding, education reform, state budget, property taxes, equity in education, health care, licensing, complaint procedure, disciplinary action, law enforcement, death records, vital statistics, healthcare, trauma facility, Medicaid
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-12 - 10:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They are not intense clinical environments, but rather support services for folks with opioid addiction
- They are not intense clinical environments, but rather support services for folks with opioid addiction
- They are not intense clinical environments, but rather support services for folks with opioid addiction
- They are not intense clinical environments, but rather support services for folks with opioid addiction
- Environment, but it is rather support services for folks with opioid addiction.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- It allows the state to provide financial support to one or more pharmaceutical manufacturers for the
- allowing pharmacists to submit appeals and requiring the PBMs to accept further documentation to support
- preventing abortion and any tool we have in our tool kit to try to help women find their way to successful support
- just a continuation of public policy that the legislature has adopted, and voters have resoundingly Supported
- It'll be defined as the transforming maternal health model, which will support the development of a whole
Bills:
SB667 , SB904 , SB1344 , SB1380 , SB1423 , SB1425 , SB1484 , SB1500 , SB1502 , SB1503 , SB1555 , SB1561 , SB1562 , SB1565 , SB1572 , SB1644 , SB1749 , SB1833 , SB2007 , SB2044 , SB2074
Committee:
House Public Health
Keywords:
chiropractic, licensure, animal chiropractic, Board of Chiropractic Examiners, licensing requirements, gender transition, gender-affirming care, transgender, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, hormone therapy, sex reassignment, transition surgery, Medicaid, public funds, state facilities, state hospital, Oklahoma, intersex, DSD
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 30 Mar 26th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's going to replace it with the Industry supported model 1 million a year from an adjustment in the
- option, the superintendent's son was their legal counsel in charge of using that organization to support
- I urge your support. And for questions, Chairman Caldwell, for what purpose?
- Representative I was so glad that you're supporting President Trump's policy.
- Arkansas recently passed a similar bill, and they received a lot of support from their blood institutes
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 3rd, 2026 at 11:09 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HB34 , HM7 , HM8 , HM17 , HM3 , HM11 , HM14 , HM15 , HM21 , HM25 , HM34 , HB95 , HB111 , SB1 , HJR1 , HM4 , HM22
Keywords:
HB34, school nurse, school nurses, nurse licensure, licensure, charter school, charter schools, school district, public education, Department of Health, Public Education Department, registered nurse, RN, mentorship, evaluation, competency, teacher salary parity, minimum salary, level one license, level two license
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force Jun 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That's a recovery support provider.
- The peer support field is growing.
- It would be increasing long-term funding and support for care coordination and peer support services.
- We've recently created a peer recovery support navigator position to further support our clients with
- I mean, because a habit, when you're so addicted to it and you need to support it, you are going to find
Summary:
The task force heard extensive testimony on recovery support, harm reduction, and community-based care. Dan Haniken of Into Action described his own recovery from addiction and incarceration and argued that treatment alone is not enough; he said recovery housing, peer support, employment, accountability, and stable housing are what help people stay sober and avoid relapse. Members asked about funding, housing shortages, transportation, treatment courts, and support for medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Haniken said Into Action relies on a braided mix of federal, state, county, city, foundation, and private funding, and that recovery housing needs longer-term support than many current funding streams provide. He also said Missouri should expand recovery housing, peer recovery support, and recovery community centers, and improve awareness and access to MAT in recovery settings and after incarceration.
Matt Cushman, a community paramedic with Raytown Fire Protection District, urged Missouri to expand harm reduction, including syringe service programs and broader access to clean needles and drug-checking tools. He argued that stigma and abstinence-only approaches keep many people from seeking help, and said harm reduction reduces disease transmission, overdose deaths, hospitalizations, and other harms while creating pathways to recovery. He cited naloxone distribution as a successful example and said similar strategies should be decriminalized and expanded. Members asked about naloxone access, community paramedicine funding, and whether safe consumption sites should be considered; Cushman said syringe exchange should be a near-term priority, while safe consumption sites are a longer-term policy question.
Representatives from Ozarks Medical Center/COMC and Four Rivers Community Health Center focused on the need to reimburse peer support specialists and community health workers, especially in rural and underserved areas. COMC’s Monet Lehman shared her trauma and recovery story and described her jail reentry work, helping incarcerated people with housing, benefits, IDs, employment, MAT, and community supports before release. Four Rivers said its care coordinators and CHWs provide wraparound services such as transportation, housing help, Medicaid enrollment, clothing, and same-day MAT access. Members and staff discussed confusion over reimbursement rules, noting that CCBHCs can bill for peer services through Medicaid while FQHCs generally cannot, and that CHWs are often funded through grants rather than reimbursement. No votes were taken; the meeting consisted of testimony and member questions, with several requests for follow-up information on funding, transportation, and reimbursement rules.
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jun 22 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Unfortunately, almost all of us know someone whose life has been impacted by addiction. Mr.
- I rise in support of Senate Bill 1352.
- had to bring a family member to explain to the rest of the family the challenges of addiction.
- Since then, that has been a journey where, as families who support people who have been addicted, who
- People in recovery are not in need of some of the more protracted addiction services.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer by Senator Anthony H. Williams and the Pledge of Allegiance, then received gubernatorial communications and a long list of newly referred Senate and House bills and resolutions. The chamber approved the April 22, 2026 journal by a 49-0 vote. Senators also introduced guests, including a high school senior advisory council visiting with Senator Malone and a young guest welcomed by Senator Costa.
On the floor, several bills were taken up and either set aside or advanced. Senate Bill 1377 and Senate Bill 482 were re-referred to Appropriations, Senate Bill 906 was re-referred to Rules and Executive Nominations, and Senate Bills 1133, 1334, and 1368 were also sent to Appropriations. Senator Dush requested a conflict-of-interest ruling on an amendment to Senate Bill 469; the chair ruled no conflict existed and required him to vote, and the amendment was adopted. The Senate also took Senate Bill 127 from the table and placed it on the calendar.
The Senate then considered Supplemental Calendar Number One. Senate Bill 362 received a technical amendment and was advanced; Senate Bill 1183 passed 50-0; Senate Bill 1352, which would allow qualifying substance use disorder treatment providers to receive two-year licenses, passed 45-5 after supportive remarks from Senators Brooks, Tartaglione, and Street; and House Bill 1877, codifying the Pennsylvania seal of biliteracy, passed 50-0 after Senator Lindsey Williams described its student-led origins. The session ended with committee announcements for the next day and Senator Tartaglione’s petition urging a floor vote on the House-passed minimum wage bill, House Bill 2189.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force Jun 25th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- There are a lot of programs that both treatment and recovery support places people can go for peer support
- support, places people can go for peer support and counseling, that don't have the housing element.
- The peer support field is growing.
- It would be increasing long-term funding and support for care coordination and peer support services.
- For addiction.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 04/28/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:01:55.200><c> prominent</c><00:01:55.840><c> on</c> addictive features that are prominent on addictive
- . addiction. addiction.
- </c> children from the harms of addictive children from the harms of addictive addictive<00:58:28.240
- </c> addictive social media. addictive social media.
- Please support Senate File 2909.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (3-24-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- ><00:06:04.400><c> including</c> Ibogaine treats all addictions including Ibogaine treats all addictions
- And this shows the ways in which addiction damages the brain. In which addiction damages the brain.
- In doing so, it interrupts addiction so that addicted persons can choose sobriety.
- ,</c> Kentuckians who suffer from addiction, Kentuckians who suffer from addiction, PTSD,<00:11:14.160
- </c><00:22:50.280><c> Senate</c> so, which is why we fully support Senate so, which is why we fully support
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- So what I'm gathering is you support the study route. Well, very honestly, sir, I support both.
- I think there's studies out there that support both. I noted Dr.
- And I truly am in support of this. It will save—I have seen it has saved... ...in support of this.
- We didn't have a full description, but you need that kind of support.
- I'm here to support Bill 1643. My name is Amanda D. Martini.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Kratom Working Group Aug 7th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Your opioid addict removes the cravings. You know, your alcoholic removes the cravings for alcohol.
- Buprenorphine’s been used for many years for some alcohol and opioid addiction treatment.
- Bupinorphine's been used for many years for some alcohol and opioid addiction treatment.
- And so, you know, and opioid addiction treatment.
- And so I think I've learned a lot since. of North Dakotans who are struggling with addiction.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I urge your support. Thank you. Thank you. Any other witnesses in support?
- Are there other witnesses in support?
- And where did your support? Thank you. Is there any testimony in support? Thank you.
- This bill will transition housing support services from an optional community support to a permanent
- We appreciate your support, and I vote for AB 1037. Thank you. Are there any others in support?
Committee:
House Health
Summary:
The Assembly Health Committee met on April 8 and heard a long series of bills focused largely on reproductive health, public health, housing, and health workforce issues. Early items included AB 54 and AB 260, both aimed at protecting access to medication abortion in California by shielding providers, manufacturers, pharmacies, and others from liability and by preserving access through telehealth and other delivery methods. Supporters, including the Attorney General’s office, Planned Parenthood, Black Women for Wellness, and other reproductive justice groups, argued the bills were needed to preserve access after Dobbs and amid federal threats. Opponents from the California Family Council and California Catholic Conference argued the measures removed safeguards and promoted unsafe abortion access. Both bills were moved forward on committee votes.
The committee also heard AB 551, which would create a pilot program to help emergency departments provide evidence-based reproductive health services, and AB 309, which would remove sunset dates on laws allowing pharmacists to sell syringes without a prescription and clarifying that possession of sterile syringes for personal use is not a crime. AB 551 drew support from emergency physicians and reproductive health organizations, while opponents said it would expand abortion access without adequate safeguards. AB 309 was supported by public health, pharmacy, and harm-reduction groups as a proven HIV and hepatitis prevention tool; the California Narcotic Officers Association opposed it. AB 309 was approved, while AB 551 was also advanced.
Other measures advanced included AB 536, which would preserve colorectal cancer screening coverage if federal preventive-care rules are disrupted; AB 804, which would make housing support services a Medi-Cal benefit and seek federal matching funds; AB 594, which would protect students from being charged for school health insurance after they withdraw and require notice of premium increases; AB 836, which would study and expand California’s midwifery education pipeline; AB 1418, which would require reporting on health coverage trends for eligible employees; and AB 1500, which would expand and preserve abortion.ca.gov as a trusted reproductive health information resource. Each drew supportive testimony from sponsors, health care providers, and advocacy groups, with some opposition to AB 1500 arguing the state should provide broader women’s health information rather than an abortion-focused site. Most of these bills were moved out of committee on party-line or near-party-line votes, and several measures were placed on call before final roll calls.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Health Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I urge your support. Thank you. Thank you. Any other witnesses in support?
- And where did your support? Thank you. Is there any testimony in support? Thank you.
- Nora Angela is with Children Now in support. Christine Smith, Health Access California, in support.
- This bill will transition housing support services from an optional community support to a permanent
- And we appreciate your support, and I vote for AB 1037. Thank you. Are there any others in support?
Summary:
The Assembly Health Committee met on April 8 and heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 54 on medication abortion access. The author and supporters, including the Attorney General’s office and reproductive justice advocates, said the bill would protect California’s medication abortion supply chain and shield providers and manufacturers from civil, criminal, and professional liability. Opponents from the California Family Council argued the bill removes safeguards and increases risks. The bill was moved forward on a committee motion.
The committee then heard several reproductive and public health measures, including AB 551 to create a pilot program supporting emergency departments in providing reproductive health services, AB 260 to protect medication abortion access and telehealth, AB 309 to remove sunset dates on laws allowing pharmacy syringe sales and lawful possession of sterile syringes, AB 536 to preserve colorectal cancer screening coverage if federal guidelines are challenged, AB 804 to make housing support services a Medi-Cal benefit, AB 594 to address student health insurance billing and transparency, AB 836 to study and expand the midwifery workforce, AB 1418 to collect data on health coverage for eligible employees, and AB 1500 to maintain and expand the abortion.ca.gov information site. Supporters emphasized access, preventive care, workforce shortages, and public health benefits, while opponents raised concerns about abortion, syringe distribution, and the focus of state resources. Most measures were advanced by committee vote, with roll calls showing broad support and a few no votes from members on some bills.
The final bill discussed in the transcript was AB 1037, which would update substance use disorder laws to reflect evidence-based, harm-reduction approaches and remove barriers to treatment. The author and supporters described it as a compassionate response to overdose and treatment access problems, while law enforcement opposition argued it would encourage drug use and endanger communities. The transcript cuts off during testimony on AB 1037, so no final committee action on that bill is shown in the provided text.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now, the law enforcement is not supporting that. They're still supporting it.
- Research supports a ban.
- We are in support of Senate Bill 5. We also support the TCUP program.
- For your support. My name is Maria Cruz-Wolfel, and I support SB5.
- I support enforcement; I support removing synthetic, unrelated cannabinoids.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, June 4, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Our loved ones should have access to effective addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery support
- treatment, prevention, and addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery<04:29:17.520><c> support</c>
- And that's why today I rise to urge passage of the SUPPORT Act because this ongoing addiction crisis
- And that's why today I rise to urge passage of the SUPPORT Act because this ongoing addiction crisis
- And that's why today I rise to urge passage of the SUPPORT Act because this ongoing addiction crisis
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate DFL Press Conference 3/19/25
Transcript Highlights:
- He was home, so I felt like he was safe, and we didn't know that he was struggling with his addiction
- </c> he was struggling with his addiction he was struggling with his addiction that<00:10:10.440><c>
- My son battled his addiction for over 3 years, and most purchases were done via Snapchat.
- We stand in unwavering support of this bill and other warning label legislation that are being introduced
- Barriers on tall public structures or pop-ups on social media—the goal here is to interrupt an addictive
Summary:
Rep. Zach Stevenson and Sen. Mann presented Minnesota legislation aimed at requiring warning labels on social media platforms, modeled on the Surgeon General’s recommendation, and adding pop-up notifications every 30 minutes to show users how long they have been on a platform. They argued that social media use is linked to serious mental health harms among youth, including anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, self-harm, and suicidal ideation, and said the bill is part of a broader effort to add guardrails on big tech. They also referenced related Minnesota efforts on deepfakes, child influencers, platform-use disclosures, and a separate effort to remove cell phones from classrooms.
The hearing featured emotional testimony from parents Bridget Noring and Tabitha Urbansky, who described losing sons to fentanyl poisoning after drugs were arranged through Snapchat. Both said social media platforms can function as drug markets and that warning labels and other restrictions could help prevent similar tragedies. Eric Mishy of SAVE and the Kids Campaign also testified in support, saying social media is contributing to anxiety, depression, suicide, sextortion, trafficking, bullying, and drug sales, and that companies have not done enough to stop these harms.
In response to a question about the pop-up feature, Stevenson said the idea is new in Minnesota but similar to “are you still watching” prompts on streaming services, intended to add friction and interrupt addictive use. He and others said no state had yet enacted similar warning-label laws, though several have proposed them, and they emphasized that regulating technology companies is difficult because of their resources and lobbying power. No vote or formal committee action was taken in the transcript, though the bill was scheduled for a House Commerce Committee hearing the next day.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Public Health Effects of Xylazine Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- and understanding for addiction care.
- and understanding for addiction care.
- But to my knowledge right now, we don’t have, you know, structured supports or...
- psychiatrists, addiction medicine physicians, social workers.
- the addiction treatment programs.
Summary:
The Special Commission on Xylazine convened its second meeting, approved the minutes from its June 23 meeting, and reviewed its timeline and working groups. The co-chairs said the commission’s final report is due to the House and Senate clerks by March 30, 2026, and outlined three working groups focused on regulation/oversight of xylazine, treatment and outreach for exposed patients, and education/training for first responders, clinicians, treatment providers, and people who use substances. Staff will schedule working group meetings, with group presentations planned for December 11, followed by commission meetings in February and March to review and finalize the draft report.
Public comment centered on research and practical responses to xylazine contamination in the drug supply. Dr. Tracy Green of Brandeis reviewed recent studies showing severe xylazine-related wounds and amputations in Philadelphia, withdrawal symptoms, the value of wound identification tools, and the usefulness of drug checking in detecting xylazine even when users did not suspect it was present. She urged expanded low-barrier wound care, more access to medications for opioid use disorder, overdose prevention sites, housing, and trauma-informed care, while cautioning that stricter controls could push the market toward other dangerous alpha-2 substances. Commissioners asked about early wound identification, dilution/cutting strategies, supplier engagement, and how to reduce stigma and improve treatment access.
Tia Johnson of Boston Medical Center and Boston Health Care for the Homeless testified that xylazine contamination still requires naloxone for overdose response, but sedation can last longer and may require low-dose naloxone, oxygen support, and low-threshold monitoring spaces. She emphasized that xylazine-associated wounds can heal with consistent care, but patients often lose access to services when sent to hospitals unnecessarily. Commissioners discussed reimbursement barriers, especially in MassHealth and behavioral health settings, and the need for wound care to be available within detox and treatment programs rather than requiring transfers. The meeting ended with agreement to continue working group planning and adjournment.