Video & Transcript Research : 'bed availability'
Page 82 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judicial branch supplemental funding 3/5/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- My daughter, like, slept in our bed. So, uh, and it was just the stupid teenagers.
- My daughter like slept in our<00:25:40.320>
bed. - 25:42.080>
it <00:25:42.240>was <00:25:42.320>just <00:25:42.480>the our bed - So, uh and it was just the our bed. So, uh and it was just the stupid<00:25:43.120>
teenagers.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3874 and laid it over for possible inclusion in a finance bill. The Minnesota Judicial Branch, represented by State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba and Chief Judge Michael Fritz, presented a supplemental funding request focused on two main areas: judicial safety and security, and the employer share of Minnesota Paid Leave costs. Shorba said the branch was grateful for prior budget support but noted it did not receive salary increases for staff or judges and did not get funding for juror per diem. He explained that the branch is seeking funding for personal data protection, home security, two additional judicial security positions, security for the chief justice at public events, and a revived courthouse security grant program.
Much of the testimony centered on rising threats against judges and court staff. Shorba and Fritz described increases in incidents, threats, and disturbances, and Fritz gave several examples of threatening behavior involving judges’ homes, personal information, and online doxxing. They argued that the branch needs better threat assessment, coordination with local law enforcement, and security measures at homes, courthouses, and online. Members expressed support for the concerns and asked questions about how threats are currently handled and whether state patrol officers assigned to security duties would need additional training.
The second major topic was the judicial branch’s request for funding to cover its employer contribution to Minnesota Paid Leave, which took effect in January 2026. Shorba said the branch followed MMB’s calculations and expected the cost to be addressed through broader state government funding, but the branch did not receive an operational adjustment. He said the branch is now having to hold positions open to absorb the cost. Members questioned why the request was not included in the earlier budget process, and Shorba responded that the branch believed the issue would be handled centrally and later learned it had not been funded for the judiciary. No vote on the funding requests was taken in the discussion shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
HF2432, the omnibus judiciary, public safety, and corrections bill is repassed in MN House 5/19/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- that the language in the bill will make sure it is done in a humane way: a four-year phaseout, with beds
- <00:26:06.960>
will <00:26:07.200>find <00:26:07.600>the <00:26:07.840>beds - <00:26:08.159>
and out with will we will find the beds and out with will we will find the - beds and other<00:26:08.559>
facilities <00:26:09.279>plus <00:26:10.240>releases
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
Transcript Highlights:
- Making early intervention available... ...starting at age three in our public school system.
- Making early intervention available to young children who are unhoused will help us better meet the needs
- What was at the time Crittenton Women's Shelter became MPath, with 58 congregate beds for folks who are
- But most times there's no social worker available to handle those cases.
- But most times there's no social worker available to handle those cases.
Summary:
The committee held a hybrid hearing on a range of bills affecting children, families, disability rights, homelessness, and social services. Early testimony focused on H.215, which would support children experiencing homelessness by speeding access to child care vouchers and early intervention screenings. Boston officials, Horizons for Homeless Children, Head Start, pediatric and early education advocates, and families described delays in child care and early intervention, the developmental risks of homelessness, and the need for automatic referrals and faster access to services. Testimony also supported H.216, which would improve emergency housing assistance by restoring presumptive eligibility, reducing documentation barriers, extending shelter stays from six to nine months, and creating an ombudsperson; providers and legal advocates said current rules leave families sleeping in cars or outside and create unnecessary administrative hurdles.
The committee also heard strong support for H.210, which would repeal the “Learn Fair” school attendance sanction that cuts cash assistance to families when children miss school. Advocates from legal aid, education, and anti-poverty organizations argued the policy is punitive, burdensome, and ineffective, disproportionately affecting low-income, disabled, and Hispanic/Latino families. Several speakers said chronic absenteeism should be addressed through supports such as family outreach, wraparound services, and school engagement rather than benefit cuts. Legislators and school officials from Salem also testified that their districts reduced absenteeism through supportive strategies, not sanctions.
Additional testimony addressed children’s vision bills H.202 and H.166, with optometrists and researchers urging better screening, data systems, and treatment access to close achievement gaps caused by untreated vision problems. Senator Lovely also presented S.2714, proposing a study of discrimination in public accommodations for people with service animals. Later, testimony on H.279 supported changing social work licensure rules to remove exam requirements that speakers said disproportionately exclude multilingual candidates and candidates of color. The hearing also included testimony on bills related to the Judge Rotenberg Center and electric shock devices, with disability rights advocates opposing continued use of the devices and urging the committee to reject licensing or authorization for them. No votes or committee actions were taken during the hearing.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (02/11/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- be available in every polling<00:27:25.360>
place <00:27:26.279>uh <00:27:26.360>in - <00:27:37.399>
for <00:27:37.600>the and then money made available for the and then - He said there are not many re-evaluation companies available and fewer people doing the work now than
- Your bed is already there. You are not bringing things that are going to be there for long term.
- Your bed is already there. You are not bringing things that are going to be there for long term.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- biennium, meaning any new spending in this upcoming legislative session would reduce the amount available
- resources appear greater than available resources appear greater than forecast<00:04:55.759>
in <00:05:07.720>to <00:05:07.840>soften reduce the amount available to soften reduce - the amount available to soften the<00:05:08.280>
projected <00:05:08.720>deficit <00:05 - He said the biennial budget is being built on the forecast information currently available.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 098 Apr 22nd, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:43:49.040>
Um <01:43:49.360>therefore available to the bureau. - Um therefore available to the bureau.
- Back in 2018, available in our toolbox to ensure that available in our toolbox to ensure that we<02:00
- Uh, we know in judiciary it is anywhere from $350,000 to $600,000 per bed capex to build a new facility
- capex to build a new facility per bed capex to build a new facility depending<02:05:10.080>
on
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum present, approved the previous day’s journal, and received several housekeeping notices, including corrected engrossments/enrollments and committee reports. The Committee on Education reported Senate Bill 23, and the Committee on Judiciary reported Senate Bill 149, both amended and referred to Appropriations with favorable recommendation. The chamber also recognized former Representative Lang Sias as a special guest and heard several moments of personal privilege, including introductions of guests connected to the Boulder Boulder race and the Leadership Program of the Rockies.
The Senate then took up Senate Resolution 6, designating April 2026 as National Donate Life Month. Supporters highlighted Colorado’s high donor registration rate, the work of Donor Alliance, and personal stories about organ and tissue donation saving lives. The resolution was adopted 34-0, with the current roll call added as co-sponsors. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 7, designating April 2026 as Second Chance Month. Proponents emphasized the impact of collateral consequences on people with criminal records, the importance of employment and reentry, and the value of redemption and public safety; the resolution passed 34-0 and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors.
Finally, the Senate considered Senate Joint Resolution 23, recognizing Young Americans Bank and the Young Americans Center for Financial Education for their contributions to financial literacy education in Colorado. The resolution cited House Bill 25-1192’s new financial literacy requirements and praised the organizations’ experiential learning model and statewide reach. Senators spoke about Bill Daniels’ legacy and the programs’ impact on students, including testimony that the institutions have served hundreds of thousands of Colorado youth. The resolution was read at length and discussed, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- get academic achievement is to meet students where they are at and use all the teaching methods available
- 04:31.840>
the <00:04:32.000>teaching <00:04:32.360>methods <00:04:32.759>available - use all the teaching methods available use all the teaching methods available including<00:04:34.160
- My mom, sister, and I shared a bed.
- um when I mom sister and I shared a bed um when I was<00:43:27.280>
in <00:43:27.359>junior
TX
Texas 89th 1st C.S.
Joint Hearing: Senate and House Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding Jul 23rd, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I have one by my bed.
- Have one next to your bed.
- We're available for questions.
- The USGS data is available immediately, or it is available to the National Weather Service, who have
- And we'll make that available here.
Keywords:
flooding, emergency response, communication systems, first responders, disaster management, Texas Water Development Board, regional planning, public safety
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on discussions around the recent floods in Texas, specifically addressing emergency preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts. Officials from various agencies provided testimonies on the challenges faced during the emergency, including issues with communication systems among first responders. Notably, the need for improved inter-agency communication and technology integration was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing regional communications units for better coordination during disasters. The audience included local government representatives and emergency management partners, who shared insights and experiences from the recent flooding events.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 087 Part 2 Apr 11th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I said it comes from the guy that gets up way before any of us are out of bed.
- With everything that I've explained, how many of you could pull yourself out of bed every day against
- how many of you could pull yourself<00:40:47.080>
out <00:40:47.240>of <00:40:47.320>bed - c><00:40:47.720>
every <00:40:48.000>day <00:40:48.360>against yourself out of bed - every day against yourself out of bed every day against those<00:40:48.960>
odds?
Summary:
The House took up House Bill 1410, the state’s long appropriations bill for the executive, legislative, and judicial branches and their agencies and institutions for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. The committee first recessed and then adopted a motion to rise, report progress, and sit again later that day. The House also adopted a motion under House Rule 14 to limit debate on House Bill 1410 to one hour during special orders on April 10, 2026, by a vote of 40-20, with four excused and one absent.
During consideration of House Bill 1410, members debated Amendment J82/54A, which would require funding for wolf reintroduction to come from gifts, grants, and donations rather than general fund dollars. Supporters argued the state should not use taxpayer money for additional wolf reintroduction, especially during a budget crisis, and said rural ranchers and livestock producers are bearing the costs and impacts of wolves. They emphasized depredation concerns, the strain on rural communities, and the view that the reintroduction effort has been costly and poorly managed.
Opponents of the amendment said the funding line is part of broader wolf management, not just reintroduction, and argued the state has a legal obligation to carry out Proposition 114. They said gifts, grants, and donations are not a reliable funding source for that mandate and noted the program also supports conflict minimization efforts such as range riders. One speaker also defended the ecological role of wolves, citing their benefits to ecosystems, elk management, and biodiversity. The transcript does not show a final vote on the amendment before the excerpt ends.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- we're going, we will have so many pigs, they're gonna be in your subdivision, rooting up your flower beds
- fruiting<00:34:50.800>
up <00:34:51.599>your <00:34:51.919>flower <00:34:52.240>beds - <00:34:52.879>
soon <00:34:53.359>and fruiting up your flower beds soon and fruiting - up your flower beds soon and very<00:34:53.919>
soon. - You've been telling us about how the wild pigs basically are going to invade our homes and plant beds
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Thu Apr 3, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 45
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I feel that we should be paying for maybe more beds in the hospitals, maybe helping the doctors more
- And I feel that we should be paying for maybe more beds in the hospitals, maybe helping the doctors more
- <01:23:40.800>
maybe <01:23:41.120>more <01:23:42.400>um <01:23:42.719>beds - 01:23:43.199>
for <01:23:43.600>in <01:23:43.840>the paying for maybe more um beds - for in the paying for maybe more um beds for in the hospitals,<01:23:44.960>
maybe <01:23:45.360
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Transportation Nov 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- billion annual budget, and yet still we had this major congestion with no end in sight and no funding available
- Yes, so this is a heat map that we created based on the data we have available to us with the technology
- And so we're, you know,... we have available to us with the technology we've deployed.
- at times these bridge strikes actually happen with contractors whose dump truck drivers leave their beds
- And the challenge we have is that it's got to have available land for warehousing and distribution, but
Summary:
The Committee on Transportation received a presentation from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles on Florida’s camera-based traffic enforcement programs: red light cameras, school bus stop-arm cameras, and school zone speed cameras. The department explained how the programs work, including human review of recorded violations, issuance of civil notices to vehicle owners, and escalation to uniform traffic citations if unpaid or uncontested. Officials also outlined the fee structure and reported preliminary data showing 42 red light camera jurisdictions, 496 red light cameras, and more than 923,000 notices of violation in fiscal year 2024-2025, along with growth in school zone and school bus programs. Senators asked about camera placement, signage, review procedures, and whether reviewers or vendors receive revenue from citations; several questions were left for follow-up because the witness did not have all statutory or operational details.
The committee then heard an update from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue on the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, funded by a $4 billion general revenue investment leveraged into a $7 billion program for 20 major projects. He said the initiative is advancing high-priority congestion relief projects across the state, with 80% of the plan expected to be underway by the end of 2026 and the remaining projects in 2027. Perdue highlighted new delivery methods such as modified phased design-build, voluntary acceleration, and structured acceleration, along with workforce and supply-chain efforts, including regional hiring events and aggregate planning. He cited projects such as I-4 congestion relief lanes, Golden Glades, I-95 at US-1, I-75 auxiliary lanes, and I-275 improvements as examples of the program’s progress.
Members questioned FDOT about traffic management during construction, subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, public transit planning, contractor safety and fatalities, bridge strikes, logistics access near ports and airports, aggregate supply, local government coordination, and federal funding uncertainty. Perdue said FDOT continuously reevaluates traffic control plans, works with local governments and industry partners, uses small business participation targets, and requires contractors to be in good standing with OSHA and to implement corrective action plans after incidents. He also said Florida’s transportation revenues are flat, the state remains largely state-funded, and additional resources are the main need for future transportation delivery. The committee adjourned after the chair requested FDOT staff provide senators with district-specific project information.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-08 - 11:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Were this data available, the charger status would appear in your favorite map app, much like Google
- to third-party software developers to allow the data to be available to drivers through EV charging
- Were this data data available chargers.
- status<01:32:43.920>
would available, the charger status would available, the charger status - to drivers through EV be available to drivers through EV charging<01:33:46.080>
applications.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- I would be happy to share those findings with the committee once they are available.
- I would be happy to share those findings with the committee once they are available.
- these dangers of the micromobility devices, and many, even while their children are in the hospital beds
- these dangers of the microbility devices, and many, even while their children are in the hospital beds
- That availability is really... ...not there today, so you're really creating an insurance mandate that
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on the governor’s Ride Safe Act, S. 3077, and related micromobility bills. Chairs and administration officials described the bill as a statewide, speed-based framework for e-bikes, scooters, mopeds, and similar devices, intended to replace outdated device categories with clearer rules for age limits, helmets, equipment, operating locations, registration, insurance for higher-speed devices, and restrictions on tampering. They also emphasized improved crash-data collection, a working group for future updates, and battery safety standards such as UL certification to reduce fire risk. Committee members asked about enforcement, shared-use paths, commuter rail accommodations, battery storage, and how the bill would apply to other vehicles like quads; the administration said some issues would need further study or follow-up.
Testimony from advocates, municipal officials, and commission members was mixed but generally supportive of clearer statewide rules. Transportation and safety advocates backed the speed-based tier system but urged additional measures, including a default speed limit on shared-use paths, automated enforcement, and more funding for Complete Streets and Shared Streets programs. Bike shop and police representatives said current laws are confusing for riders and law enforcement and that better definitions and data reporting are needed. Several speakers stressed that enforcement and education will be critical, and that local patchwork rules are difficult to apply consistently.
Medical testimony strongly supported tighter protections for young riders. Pediatric emergency and trauma doctors described a sharp rise in serious injuries and deaths involving e-bikes and scooters, including severe pediatric cases, and urged amendments adding a minimum age for faster devices and a universal helmet requirement. They argued that the force and weight of these devices make crashes more dangerous than conventional bicycles and pointed to past Massachusetts safety laws as evidence that age and equipment restrictions can reduce injuries.
Some public testimony opposed the bill as written, especially from moped commuters who argued that gas-powered mopeds are being treated differently from comparable electric devices and should be included in the framework. They called for clearer rules on bike-lane access, insurance, parking, and statewide standards for mopeds as vulnerable road users. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and questions only.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- because she was being trafficked, but they found it in a hotel, and, of course, the trafficker was not available
- And another thing is that in many jurisdictions, right, there's not always a jury available.
- And oftentimes there's bed space issues within either the department or at local level facilities.
- And oftentimes there's bed space issues within either the department or at local level facilities.
- they need because oftentimes that is a big issue as it relates to being able to have the programs available
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 137, which would strengthen penalties for knowingly making threats against schools, school activities, students, or school employees. The author said the bill responds to repeated false threats that disrupt schools, frighten families, and divert law enforcement, and it adds education and parental acknowledgment requirements. Members discussed possible juvenile consequences such as public service or physical work at schools, and the bill drew support from law enforcement, district attorneys, and Catholic bishops. It was reported favorably without objection.
House Bill 321 followed, addressing Louisiana’s Safe Harbor law by expressly exempting minors from prostitution offenses and treating them as trafficking victims rather than offenders. The author, clergy, trafficking advocates, and a survivor testified that children involved in commercial sex are typically coerced, groomed, or controlled by traffickers, often family members or caregivers, and should receive protection and services instead of arrest. Witnesses described statewide advocacy and crisis-response services created in 2022, and committee members asked about prosecution of perpetrators and the prevalence of trafficking in rural areas. The bill was reported favorably without objection.
The committee then approved House Bill 1246, a response to a fatal drunk-driving crash involving Jada Bright, which would allow law enforcement to keep intoxicated offenders in jail if they are not safe to release. An amendment was adopted to clean up the language, and the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 1104, creating a misdemeanor for possession of motor vehicle key-programming or emulating devices used to steal cars, also passed favorably with support from prosecutors and police. House Bill 552, a cleanup measure replacing references to intoxication with impairment in prior drug-related statutes, was reported favorably as well.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 310, which would require random reassignment when a defendant waives a jury trial in districts with more than two judges, unless the prosecutor agrees otherwise. Supporters said it would prevent judge shopping and address concerns about unusually high acquittal rates before particular judges, while opponents argued it raises due process concerns and effectively lets prosecutors choose the judge. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably. The last major item was House Bill 1107, dealing with post-conviction death penalty cases involving claims of intellectual disability; the bill would set a 75 IQ threshold and create procedures for Atkins claims. Supporters said it would bring finality to long-pending capital cases and follow U.S. Supreme Court guidance, while opponents argued it would be unconstitutional under Atkins, Moore, and Hall because intellectual disability cannot be reduced to a single number. After extensive testimony and debate over amendments, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 16th, 2026 at 09:09 am
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- How do you differentiate between heads and beds that are, I would assume, Santa Fe Bernalillo, Taos,
- Ana, those are like those are destinations for recreation and straight up vacation versus heads and beds
- We have Now fully characterized over 47 sites around the state of New Mexico for their availability for
- How many people can drive time within 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes All of that is currently available
- Representative Dixon, right now the Economic Development Department does not have the mechanism available
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Tue Feb 11, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- The bruise that's left behind, it's nearly impossible to get out of bed.
- The bruise that's left behind, it's nearly impossible to get out of bed.
- think we need to work on a way to either make the program more publicly accessible or more publicly available
- This meeting is adjourned. available that people who cannot get available that people who cannot get
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee met on February 11, 2025, and heard a series of bills focused on transportation funding and roadway safety. HB 1154 would cap Central Services assessments from the state highway, airport, and harbor funds, with a CPI-based process for additional deductions; the Department of Transportation supported it and the Department of Budget and Finance offered comments. HB 1164 would restore highway revenue bond authorization for DOT capital projects, and HB 1286 would prohibit pedestrians from walking along interstate and certain state highways except for authorized duties; both drew DOT support, with Ulupono Initiative and an individual offering comments or support on HB 1286. HB 1162 would require motorcycle instruction permit applicants, beginning July 1, 2026, to complete an approved basic rider course before becoming eligible, and HB 537 would require helmets and chin straps for all operators and passengers of two-wheel motorized vehicles; both had DOT support, with HB 537 also drawing support from AAA Hawaii and Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, and opposition from one individual.
The committee then took up HB 387, which would expand negligent injury in the first degree to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing current law already covers drunk driving and that the proposal would turn alcohol-caused negligence causing injury into a felony; prosecutors from Honolulu and Hawaiʻi counties and DOT supported it, saying serious injuries short of “substantial bodily injury” are not adequately punished and that circuit court would better handle restitution and related proceedings. Members asked about data on cases that might fit the new felony category, and prosecutors said they did not have exact numbers but could try to provide more information.
The committee also heard HB 1084 and the related HB 1387, both of which would lower Hawaiʻi’s per se DUI blood alcohol limit from 0.08 to 0.05. Support came from DOT, police departments, the Department of Health, prosecutors, the Governor’s office, MADD Hawaii, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Alcohol Policy Alliance, AAA Hawaii, and the National Transportation Safety Board, all citing research that lower BAC limits reduce impaired driving and fatalities. The Public Defender opposed the change, and some testimony raised concerns about enforcement and the need for an amendment in HB 1084. Several individuals and advocates gave emotional testimony about crashes and losses tied to impaired driving, while supporters emphasized that a 0.05 standard would save lives and would not harm alcohol sales or the tourism economy. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing reflected in the transcript.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health Apr 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We are here available to answer any questions the committee may have. are here available to answer any
- It is really difficult right now to figure out whom we talk to, for what, and who is still available.
- Co-pays were also a challenge, and sometimes the providers did not have the vaccines available. carry
- Let's only make it available for certain people; let's only have wealthy people who can afford to go
- It should be available to everyone.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Our vaccination completion rate was only 58.5% as of 2022. despite the availability of a vaccine known
- Currently, there is only one vaccine available for HPV in the U.S., Gardasil 9.
- Right now, no entity regularly collects statewide data on the availability of clinical sites, which means
- And all of these, we're going to set up test beds at Reese Technology Center and EMEFAC. on critical
- And even with using all of the available resources available, it's still not enough to complete. compete
Bills:
HB 1105, HB1527, HB1787, HB1972, HB2081, HB3296, HB3976, HB4071, HB4234, HB4438, HB4701, HB5092, HB5150, HB5180, HB5265, HB5333, HJR203
Keywords:
tuition exemption, paramedics, higher education, laboratory fees, emergency medical services, peace officers, criminal justice, law enforcement, degree programs, public institutions, HB 1787, HPV, human papillomavirus, college health, university health, student health, public health education, prevention program, screening, early detection
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force Jun 24th, 2026
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- So fentanyl is less available on the streets.
- Now, what I mean by that is not that fentanyl isn't available. It still is.
- So it's sort of like, okay, so fentanyl is less available on the streets.
- Now, what I mean by that is not that fentanyl isn't available. It still is.
- We're taking up a bed that somebody else could have, right?
Summary:
The task force meeting opened with new leadership announcements, including Senator Nick Schroer thanking outgoing chair Representative John Black and naming Representative Del Taylor as vice chair. After some initial technical difficulties with audio and Zoom, members reviewed the task force’s statutory charge under Missouri law: to hold hearings on substance use, explore solutions, draft or modify legislation, and produce recommendations for prevention and treatment. The chair said the goal for this year is to develop concrete legislative ideas for the next session, with hearings focused first on field experts and later on alternative therapies and the Department of Mental Health.
Dr. Rachel Winograd gave the first major presentation, describing Missouri’s overdose crisis as increasingly complex and driven primarily by fentanyl, now compounded by xylazine and metatomidine. She said overdose deaths have declined for a third straight year, with preliminary 2025 data around 1,200 deaths, and attributed the decline to a smaller fentanyl supply, wider naloxone availability, and fewer young people entering use. Her main recommendations were to focus on reducing harm rather than trying to eliminate drug use, expand evidence-based medications for opioid use disorder—especially methadone and buprenorphine—improve access to naloxone, and loosen methadone regulations, including take-home doses, the federal 72-hour rule, and broader methadone units. She also emphasized that peer support, housing, transportation, and other practical supports matter, and noted that naloxone can still reverse fentanyl overdoses even when tranquilizers are present.
Dr. Heidi Miller, the state medical director, followed with two recommendations: integrate substance use disorder care into whole-person health care and follow the science when considering substance-related legislation. She argued that primary care, maternal health, workforce training, EMS, public health, and methadone access should all be part of a coordinated model, and said reimbursement should support teams rather than isolated providers. She also urged stronger enforcement of parity between behavioral health/SUD and physical health coverage, and highlighted tobacco and alcohol as major, under-addressed causes of death in Missouri. Dr. Doug Burgess then reinforced the need for a coordinated continuum of care, comparing substance use treatment to the seamless system used for heart attacks, and said patients should have standardized assessment, discharge planning from day one, transition coordinators, peer recovery coaches, and better information-sharing between levels of care. Members asked questions about relapse, treatment court, EMS referral barriers, reimbursement, and whether buprenorphine can be started in the field; no votes were taken, and the meeting ended with plans to continue hearing testimony and use it to shape future policy recommendations.