Transcript Highlights:

• And a lot of that has to do with getting to the right place in order to receive the necessary treatment
• And a lot of that has to do with getting to the right place in order to receive the necessary treatment
• If a person is receiving emergency care under the Federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act,
• SUD monitoring often requires frequent evaluations, treatment, drug testing, and peer support, all of
• SUD monitoring often requires frequent evaluations, treatment, drug testing, and peer support, all of

Summary: The House Health Care & Wellness Committee held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2232 would create a Department of Health-operated time-sensitive emergency data repository covering trauma, cardiac, and stroke events, with quality improvement reporting and support for rural facilities; it drew strong support from emergency physicians, nurses, and the Department of Health, while the Washington State Hospital Association said hospitals support the goal but lack the resources to absorb the added requirements. House Bill 1812, as a proposed substitute, would bar insurers and public plans from imposing anesthesia time limits or related reimbursement caps; the sponsor and anesthesia providers said it protects patient safety and fair payment, and the Washington State Society of Anesthesiologists asked for a clarifying amendment on physical status modifiers. House Bill 2250 would limit hospital charity care to Washington residents, while preserving emergency care access; supporters from rural hospitals and the Washington State Hospital Association said the change would help border hospitals facing rising nonresident charity care, and opponents from legal aid, patient advocacy, and LGBTQ groups warned it would create barriers, chill access for immigrants and other vulnerable patients, and conflict with Washington’s safety-net values. The committee also heard House Bill 2340, which would extend existing substance-use monitoring program protections and stipend eligibility to nursing assistants under the Board of Nursing’s CARES program. The sponsor described it as a simple equity measure, and the Board of Nursing supported it, saying it would improve access and reduce stigma; members asked where the stipend funding comes from, and staff and the board said it is currently general-fund supported at about $25,000 annually. House Bill 2577 would change hospital inspection law by requiring acute care hospital inspections every 18 months rather than on average, allowing some accredited inspections to satisfy the requirement every 36 months, and clarifying fire-protection reinspection standards; the sponsor and Department of Health said it responds to a JLARC audit and provides needed clarity, while DOH said it is still working to catch up from inspection delays caused by the public health emergency. The meeting ended after public testimony on the bills was closed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• For decades, we have invested heavily in treatment, and treatment is essential.
• Treatment often occurs in an office, clinic, or treatment facility.
• Let me ask you a follow-up on that: treatment court. Treatment court.
• treatment court.
• treatment services.

Committee: House Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• , or SUD.
• The implementation of updated standards for substance use treatment, or SUD, will be provided through
• actual treatment services and our tribal partners.
• And we are proposing this to align our state standards for SUD treatment facilities that are licensed
• treatment field.

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations from the Department of State Hospitals (DSH), the Commission for Behavioral Health, and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) on budget proposals and implementation updates. DSH outlined its proposed 2026-27 budget, including funding for patient operating expenses, IST solutions savings, conditional release program costs, LPS bed allocation changes, electrical infrastructure projects at Napa and Patton, SB 380 transitional housing feasibility work, and expanded dental services at Metropolitan and Patton. DSH also reported that it has met court-ordered IST treatment benchmarks in the Stiavedi v. Clinton case, with average time to initiate treatment down to about five days and pending placements reduced to roughly 250, while noting that Proposition 36 could increase referrals and SB 1323 may divert some individuals earlier into community-based treatment. Members asked about rising outside hospitalization costs, Medicare enrollment, the timing and structure of capital projects, and whether IST solution funds are being fully used; DSH said the savings reflect slower-than-expected ramp-up of community programs and that the Central California FACT replacement program is still on track for January 2027 activation. The Commission for Behavioral Health described its role under the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), including data, evaluation, grantmaking, technical assistance, and transparency work. It highlighted the new statewide Innovation Partnership Fund, a five-year, $20 million-per-year program with small and large grant categories; the first RFA drew strong interest, with more than 400 questions and over 1,000 bidders’ conference participants. The Commission also discussed a proposed extension to spend down about $4.1 million remaining for the Alcove Youth Drop-in Center grants so sites can finish implementation and Stanford can complete the final evaluation. Members asked about grant duration, whether projects can be renewed, what qualifies as innovation, and whether the fund could support service delivery rather than awareness campaigns or training; the Commission said awards are expected to be three-year contracts and that proposals must be new or meaningfully expanded approaches that support BHSA priority populations. DHCS reviewed major behavioral health changes under CalAIM and BH Connect, including peer support, mobile crisis, contingency management, traditional health care practices for tribal members, updated specialty mental health access criteria, and new substance use treatment standards based on ASAM’s fourth edition. DHCS reported strong contingency management results, with more than 13,000 members served and 95% testing negative for stimulant use during treatment, and said 21 Indian health care providers have been approved to offer traditional health care practices. It also described BH Connect initiatives such as the $1.9 billion access reform and outcomes incentive program, workforce investments, evidence-based practice expansion, IMD participation by four counties, and transitional rent services. On BHSA implementation, DHCS said it is not tracking individual county contract cuts but is monitoring county plans and statewide outcomes, while stakeholders raised concerns about local prevention and service gaps. DHCS also outlined its H.R. 1 implementation strategy, including outreach, streamlined renewals, exemptions for disabled, substance use, and medically frail individuals, and proposed clinic navigator and outreach funding; it said it has not yet produced a focused estimate of H.R. 1 impacts on behavioral health populations. The discussion ended with DHCS noting that B-CHIP bond funding has supported 437 infrastructure projects, creating 546 new or expanded facilities and more than 9,500 residential beds across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• SUD community treatment.
• It is the SUD Treatment Services Fund Swap at just over $14 million.
• It is the SUD Treatment Services Fund Swap at just over $14 million.
• On page 260 is FQHC, SUD, medication-assisted treatment.
• On page 260 is FQHC, SUD, medication-assisted treatment.

Summary: The Budget Committee heard the Department of Mental Health’s FY 2027 budget presentation, with Director Valerie Hoon outlining a $4.4 billion department budget, including $1.7 billion in general revenue, and describing the department’s roles in substance use, behavioral health, and developmental disabilities services. Early questioning focused on marijuana-related mental health impacts, but the main discussion centered on the department’s new decision items, funding sources, and expected wait lists. The director explained several increases tied to Medicaid growth, mental health youth services, outpatient competency restoration, crisis residential services, developmental disability waivers, and provider tax adjustments, along with offsets such as reduced wraparound funding at the Kansas City Assessment and Triage Center and cuts to some youth and self-directed DD services. A major portion of the hearing focused on competency restoration for people found unfit to stand trial and currently held in county jails. Members pressed the department on the cost, effectiveness, and legal implications of keeping people in jail while awaiting services, noting a reported wait list of roughly 524 to 538 individuals and average holds of about 14 months. The department said it currently has eight outpatient competency restoration beds in the community, is seeking funding for 50 additional outpatient slots, and also operates jail-based restoration for about 40 people at a time. Members repeatedly asked for breakdowns of violent versus nonviolent cases, success rates, cost per person, and the split between state and federal funding, while the department explained that Medicaid can cover only the treatment portion, not residential housing or other non-billable costs. The committee also discussed broader capacity constraints in state hospitals and developmental disability services. Hoon said Fulton, Center for Behavioral Medicine, and FTC North are full, with 183 vacancies across the department, and that the department is working on a new Kansas City hospital that would add 150 beds, though completion is now expected closer to 2029 or 2030. In the developmental disabilities section, the department warned that the governor’s recommendation would create wait lists for in-home waiver services and crisis residential services, and members questioned proposed reductions to self-directed services rates and other provider payments. No votes were taken, and the committee recessed before finishing the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2019, Minnesota received approval for our 1115 SUD Medicaid waiver to improve access to SUD treatment
• 21:34.840><c> to</c><02:21:34.920><c> SUD</c><02:21:35.320><c> treatment.
• </c><02:21:35.960><c> Um</c><02:21:36.080><c> one</c> improve access to SUD treatment.
• Um one improve access to SUD treatment.
• ><c> be</c><02:22:07.680><c> um</c> SUD treatment placements, which be um SUD treatment placements, which

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> other Direct Care and treatment other Direct Care and treatment facilities<00:22:35.840><c> so</
• </c><00:24:23.640><c> needs</c> the Acuity of those treatment needs the Acuity of those treatment needs
• Eight of the nine SUD rates were identified as needing a rate increase.
• Eight of the nine SUD rates were identified as needing a rate increase.
• </c> health and sud health and sud rates<01:24:28.880><c> uh</c><01:24:29.000><c> the</c><01:24:29.120

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> article two is a recodification of sud article two is a recodification of sud and<00:43:09.200><
• </c> mental health and addiction treatment mental health and addiction treatment Society<00:47:11.839
• </c> 1826 seeking to implement increased sud 1826 seeking to implement increased sud rates<00:47:49.880
• </c> hope is located we're one treatment hope is located we're one treatment provider<00:53:13.520><c
• </c><01:32:07.400><c> I</c> issues at Direct Care and treatment I issues at Direct Care and treatment

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, as people progress through their treatment, some people choose to go through treatment and
• And again, as people progress through their treatment, some people choose to go through treatment and
• ,</c><00:34:51.040><c> some</c> progress through their treatment, some progress through their treatment
• </c> people choose to go through treatment people choose to go through treatment and<00:34:53.760><c>
• </c><01:37:58.000><c> care,</c> person- centered model for SUD care, person- centered model for SUD care

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• treatment facilities, which we'll touch on in a later issue.
• treatment systems.
• actual treatment services and our tribal partners.
• And we are proposing this to align our state standards for SUD treatment facilities that are licensed
• treatment field.

Summary: The subcommittee heard budget and policy updates from the Department of State Hospitals, the Commission for Behavioral Health, and the Department of Health Care Services. DSH described its proposed 2026-27 budget of $3.2 billion, including savings tied to IST solutions, higher patient-driven operating costs, and a small increase in caseload projections. Officials said the department has met court-ordered IST treatment benchmarks, with wait times reduced from a pandemic peak of 1,953 pending placements to about 250, and average treatment initiation now around five days. Members asked about the effects of Proposition 36 and SB 1323, rising outside hospitalization costs, Medicare enrollment, and whether IST solution funding was being overbudgeted; DSH said referrals are slightly down overall, aging and medically complex patients are driving outside care costs, and the IST solution savings reflect slower-than-expected program activation rather than a service gap. The department also outlined proposed funding for CONREP cost increases, a new county-by-county LPS bed allocation model, electrical infrastructure upgrades at Napa and Patton, SB 380 transitional housing feasibility work, and additional dental staffing and space at Metropolitan and Patton. The Commission for Behavioral Health reviewed its role in the Behavioral Health Services Act transition and its new Innovation Partnership Fund. Staff said the commission is shifting from county-level innovation oversight to a statewide grant strategy, with the first $20 million RFA drawing strong interest and awards expected in mid-June. Members asked how “innovation” would be defined, whether grants could be renewed after the initial three-year contracts, and how the state would ensure the money supports real service delivery rather than general outreach or training. The commission also sought a liquidation deadline extension for the Alcove youth drop-in center grants so remaining funds can be spent before they revert, allowing sites to finish implementation and support the final evaluation. DHCS provided an overview of CalAIM and BH Connect implementation, including updated specialty mental health access criteria, new ASAM-based substance use treatment standards, contingency management, traditional health care practices for tribal members, workforce investments, evidence-based practice expansion, IMD participation, and transitional rent services. The department also addressed BHSA implementation, saying it does not track specific local program cuts but will monitor county three-year plans, performance measures, and outcomes as counties shift to the new funding structure. On H.R. 1, DHCS said it is preparing outreach, eligibility simplification, and exemption strategies to reduce Medi-Cal coverage losses, including clinic navigators, a statewide outreach campaign, and possible employment supports through a future waiver. The department also reported that BH-CHIP bond funds have supported 437 infrastructure projects, creating 546 facilities and more than 9,500 residential beds, with additional outpatient capacity and tribal investments. Finally, DHCS outlined a proposed 988 trailer bill to create a statewide designation process for 988 centers and mobile crisis teams, with implementation no earlier than October 1, 2027.

Transcript Highlights:

• , or SUD, provided through our Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System.
• treatment facilities, which we'll touch on in a later issue.
• actual treatment services and our tribal partners.
• And we are proposing this to align our state standards for SUD treatment facilities that are licensed
• treatment field.

Bills: HB591 , HB766

Committee: Senate Insurance

Keywords: cancer treatment, anti-cancer medications, health insurance, copayment, cost-sharing, health policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Though rates of SUD... Prescription opioid misuse.
• Though rates of SUD are similar across racial and ethnic groups, white youth receive SUD treatment at
• receive that treatment.
• That treatment.
• So involvement in past treatment or current treatment is not an area of eligibility for this program

Summary: The meeting opened with approval of the April minutes and brief administrative updates, including notice that House Bill 5447 had passed both chambers of the General Assembly. Speakers reflected on the bill’s key provisions, which include eating-disorder working groups, an evidence-based screening requirement for school-based health centers beginning July 1, 2027, and a DSS-led feasibility process to explore an inpatient psychiatric facility for young adults ages 14 to 21. New staff introductions were also made for the Behavioral Health Advocate’s office and the TCB team. A major portion of the meeting focused on marketing and outreach for urgent crisis centers (UCCs) and the broader youth crisis continuum. Daydream Communications presented research showing low public awareness of UCCs but strong interest once families learn about them, with parents wanting specialized, compassionate care, clear expectations, insurance clarity, and bilingual support. United Way described its parallel work on a statewide crisis continuum marketing toolkit, using the SAMHSA framework of “someone to talk to, someone to respond, and somewhere safe to go,” and outlined plans to distribute consistent messaging through websites, social media, flyers, and community venues. Members emphasized coordinating with existing platforms and ensuring the marketing reflects the actual experience at UCC sites. DCF then presented on adolescent substance use services, citing data showing high need and low treatment access among Connecticut youth. The department reviewed its ASAM-based continuum, SBIRT efforts in outpatient psychiatric clinics, medication-assisted treatment access, and statewide services such as MST, MST emerging adults, STRIDE, multidimensional family therapy, youth recovery supports, and the AIM matching tool. A new young people peer support program was highlighted, with referrals accepted from families, hospitals, community providers, DCF, youth diversion, and the judicial branch. Questions addressed parent consent, peer matching, and whether the AIM tool could be linked through 211. The meeting concluded with an update from the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board and its regional boards and grant-funded initiatives. Presenters reviewed the state suicide prevention plan, regional coalition work, postvention response, lethal means safety efforts, and the 988 capacity improvement grant that supports Connecticut’s centralized 988 contact center at United Way. They also shared youth suicide risk data from the Connecticut Youth Risk Behavior Survey, noting recent declines in reported suicidal ideation and attempts, and provided resources for training and materials. No formal votes were taken beyond the approval of the April minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• that treatment could render them infertile.
• in which that treatment could render them infertile.
• Decisions must be made in days, if not hours, about how to begin life-saving treatment.
• What many young adult... ...not hours, about how to begin life-saving treatment.
• Treatment comes with a multitude of unexpected costs.

Bills: SB1095 , SB1114 , SB1116 , SB1162 , SB1164 , SB1178 , SB1179 , SB1249 , SB1253 , SB1346 , SB1347 , SB1446 , SB1561 , SB1813

Committees: House Health & Human Services , House House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Keywords: gender transition, minors, irreversible surgery, health professionals, puberty-blocking drugs, medical procedures, prohibition, Arizona Revised Statutes, behavioral health, patient brokering, appropriation, state funds, Maricopa County, claims review, medical necessity, American Indian health program, healthcare regulations, healthcare compliance, behavioral health technicians, licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• These sections add Direct Care and Treatment and the Direct Care and Treatment Executive Board or Chief
• ) treatment covered under medical assistance or the Behavioral Health Fund, or SUD assessments covered
• Section 19 from the DHS policy bill requires SUD treatment program documentation or SUD treatment programs
• Section 20 from the DHS policy bill modifies requirements for SUD treatment program client records.
• treatment programs.

Bills: HF2115 , HF2276 , HF1644 , HF99 , HF2068 , HF2707 , HF2704 , HF2406 , HF1674 , HF1579

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• But easier access to addiction treatment cannot happen without a substantially larger addiction treatment
• And I would tell everyone just this, you know we have to have treatment, we know we have to have treatment
• Past that, we want to make sure that people can receive treatment, good treatment.
• We said medical-based treatment therapy is the gold standard for treatment, greater access to naloxone
• behavioral treatment.

Committee: Senate Aging (Special) Committee

Keywords: opioid crisis, overdose, naloxone, drug trafficking, law enforcement, treatment, prevention, older adults, Medicaid expansion

Summary: The meeting convened to address the dire opioid crisis affecting communities nationwide, with a particular focus on the alarming rise of opioid use disorder among older adults. Key testimonies highlighted the critical need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses prevention, treatment, and strict law enforcement actions against drug traffickers. Sheriff Dennis Lima from Seminole County outlined successful strategies implemented in Florida, including increased access to naloxone and legislative changes to hold drug dealers accountable for overdoses. Various members expressed a united front on tackling this multifaceted issue, advocating for the expansion of Medicaid and better access to treatment as essential steps to curbing the epidemic.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'll start with... a effective date change on the treatment a effective date change on the treatment
• </c> both SUD and mental health providers. both SUD and mental health providers.
• </c> qualifications for treatment qualifications for treatment coordinators<00:04:10.400><c> and</c><
• So, section 12 removes a requirement for utilization management of SUD treatment placements.
• </c> treatment services. treatment services. &gt;&gt; Senator<00:10:32.399><c> Grunhagen.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Includes provisions for a SUD rate increase.
• Shifting to new models of SUD treatment that integrate clinical and social supports while also facilitating
• sufficient staffing to provide safe and effective treatment.
• In our letter, we noted that there are obviously many benefits to treatment.
• This enables timely treatment and allows coordinated care for both.

Bills: HF2434

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> use disorder treatment services. use disorder treatment services.
• Shifting to new models of SUD treatment that integrate clinical and social supports while also facilitating
• </c> program. shifting to new models of SUD program. shifting to new models of SUD treatment<00:41:55.440
• We need to Treatment Facility.
• </c> residential SUD services in the state. residential SUD services in the state.

Bills: HF2434

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Keywords: Customs and Border Protection, Rodney Scott, border security, asylum, transparency, Hernandez Rojas, migrant treatment, public testimony

Summary: The meeting centered on the nomination of Rodney Scott to serve as the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Throughout the session, various senators expressed concerns regarding CBP's recent practices, including issues related to border security and the treatment of migrants. Questions were raised about Scott's involvement in previous incidents, particularly surrounding the controversial death of Mr. Hernandez Rojas while in custody, which sparked a heated discussion about accountability and transparency in current border policies. Senators emphasized the importance of balancing efficient border security with humane treatment of individuals seeking asylum.

Transcript Highlights:

• operate with less public oversight. oversight, making it harder to ensure proper conditions and fair treatment
• four correctional centers, three state jails, one multi-occupancy use facility, and we also operate treatment

Bills: HB153 , HB1410 , HB1461 , HB1760 , HB1762 , HB3261 , HB3773 , HB153

Committee: House Corrections

Keywords: education, funding, student resources, technology access, equal opportunity, veterans treatment court, mental health, criminal justice, rehabilitation, eligibility criteria, veterans, treatment court, military service, legislation, private prisons, inmate confinement, criminal justice reform, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, government contracts, inmate housing