Video & Transcript Research : 'Narcan'
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OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances REVISED: SB1501 - Added Apr 8th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 65 with the PCS added is just allowing the possession and use of items such as Narcan and
Keywords:
SB65, naloxone, Narcan, opioid overdose, overdose reversal, opioid antagonist, emergency opioid antagonist, substance abuse services, harm reduction, public health, overdose prevention, good samaritan, civil immunity, criminal immunity, controlled substances, addiction treatment, fentanyl, opioid crisis, school overdose response, first aid
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill isn't just about stocking Narcan in the school's nurse's office.
- By integrating Narcan education at a younger age, we're not only empowering students...
- Narcan access in schools is one of the ways to help bridge this important gap.
- Many people have told me about using Narcan while they're riding the T.
- And today, I don't leave the house without Narcan, and many more students could too.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery opened its first public hearing of the 2025–26 session with remarks from the Senate and House chairs outlining the committee’s priorities. They noted recent work on addiction and recovery legislation, the ongoing youth behavioral health crisis, and that members might need to leave periodically for floor votes. The chairs explained hearing procedures, including three-minute testimony limits, written testimony deadlines, and reporting deadlines for Senate and House bills. The hearing then focused on several bills related to youth mental health, overdose prevention, and psychedelic treatment research.
A major portion of the hearing centered on bills to improve youth crisis response and overdose prevention. Testimony strongly supported bills to print the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on student ID cards, with speakers from mental health organizations, crisis centers, and individuals sharing personal stories of depression, suicide attempts, and the importance of making 988 as familiar as 911. Another set of bills would require schools to stock naloxone and provide overdose prevention education. Physicians, harm reduction advocates, students, and grieving family members testified that school-based Narcan access and education could save lives, reduce stigma, and help students recognize overdoses and understand Good Samaritan protections. Senator O’Connor and Tamika Perry also testified for a bill to strengthen substance use prevention education and reduce overdose abandonment, emphasizing the need to teach students about overdose risks and the legal protections for calling 911.
The committee also heard testimony on a bill to authorize a pilot program for psychedelic treatment in licensed facilities. Senator Friedman and several medical and behavioral health professionals argued the proposal was a narrow, research-based approach distinct from the broader ballot question rejected in 2024. They said the bill would allow only a small number of supervised clinics to use psychedelics for conditions such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, and substance use disorders, with data reporting and Department of Public Health oversight. Supporters described it as a cautious way to study promising treatments while avoiding unsupervised or commercialized use.
Finally, the committee heard support for a bill to create a special commission and five-year strategic plan for children’s behavioral health services, with testimony that the current system is fragmented, difficult for families to navigate, and strained by workforce and funding challenges. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions on the bills.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery
Transcript Highlights:
- Narcan alone and other harm reduction strategies.
- We know Narcan works.
- I didn't carry Narcan.
- So I now have been trained and now carry Narcan.
- I carry Narcan because it is necessary.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery held a public hearing on several harm reduction bills, including measures to decriminalize simple possession and paraphernalia, authorize overdose prevention centers, and expand access to naloxone for first responders. Chair Mindy Domb and Senator John Velis opened by describing harm reduction as an evidence-based public health strategy and noting Massachusetts’ recent decline in fatal overdoses. They emphasized that testimony would help shape whether and how the bills advance, and explained the hearing process, including time limits and written testimony.
Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including Rep. Kate Donaghue, Sen. Cindy Friedman, Rep. Marjorie Decker, Rep. Manny Cruz, public health professionals, recovery advocates, and people with lived experience, argued that harm reduction saves lives, reduces stigma, and can connect people to treatment. They supported overdose prevention centers and decriminalization as tools to keep people alive long enough to enter recovery, and several speakers described personal losses to overdose or family experiences with addiction. Some supporters also framed the bills as racial justice measures, arguing that criminal penalties for possession have disproportionately harmed Black and brown communities.
Opponents, including Sen. Nick Collins and several South End residents, argued that overdose prevention centers and decriminalization would worsen public drug use, crime, and neighborhood disorder, especially around Mass and Cass. They said current approaches such as Section 35, diversion, and police leverage into treatment are more effective, and they urged more treatment beds and recovery facilities instead of harm reduction sites. Committee members questioned witnesses about research, local siting, crime data, and the relationship between harm reduction and treatment, and several members said neighborhood impacts must be considered alongside overdose prevention. The committee did not take a vote during the hearing; it continued receiving testimony and announced a later break before resuming on H. 2196 and S. 1393.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Sep 11th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So, there are a couple of ways that Narcan is present in our county detention center.
- So, they're actually handed a box of Narcan when they leave.
- We want to make sure that they have Narcan in their home to be able to prevent death.
- When we started distributing Narcan, it's been probably six years ago.
- The friend had the Narcan and was able to save his life.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- to self-care Narcan with a parents<01:19:14.760>
permission. - permission in grades 9 through 12 Narcan permission in grades 9 through 12 Narcan on<01:19:41.280
- It allows students to self-carry Narcan in schools with parental permission.
- schools<01:20:26.480>
with self-care Narcan in schools with self-care Narcan in schools with - While they may have it in the Narcan.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- In medicine, there's few things that are as effective as Narcan.
- We are always looking for meds... ...as Narcan.
- I know this committee is very familiar with the value of Narcan.
- So what they end up doing is they provide the Narcan gratis on the way out.
- Oh, and I'm going to need my Narcan back. There we go.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing focused on children’s health, disease prevention, screening, treatment, and pharmacy-related bills. The chair explained that the session was for public testimony only, with no votes or decisions taken that day, and outlined the three-minute limit for individual testimony. The committee then heard testimony on a range of bills, including H. 2413 on adding electromagnetic sensitivity to the state’s MAVEN registry, S. 1508 and H. 2433 on creating an amputation prevention task force, H. 2535 and S. 1551 on establishing a naloxone purchase trust fund, S. 1635 on authorizing pharmacists to provide opioid use disorder treatment, H. 2385 on creating a special commission on avian influenza, and S. 1497 on patient safety and non-FDA-approved compounded drugs.
Testimony on H. 2413 came largely from advocates and individuals who described electromagnetic sensitivity as a real health condition and argued that adding it to the registry would improve data collection, provider education, and public awareness. Testimony on the amputation prevention task force bills came from the American Diabetes Association and podiatry groups, who said diabetes-related amputations are often preventable, disproportionately affect people of color, and could be reduced through earlier screening, better care coordination, and improved insurance coverage for preventive foot care. On the naloxone trust fund bills, a representative, emergency physician, and nurse testified that hospitals often cannot reliably send overdose patients home with naloxone because of billing and reimbursement barriers, and that a bulk-purchase fund would expand access at no added cost to payers or providers.
The committee also heard strong support for S. 1635 from pharmacists and public health researchers, who said community pharmacists could safely initiate and maintain buprenorphine treatment and help close gaps in opioid use disorder care. On H. 2385, a local board of health chair supported a special commission on avian influenza, citing gaps in emergency preparedness and the need for clearer coordination across agencies. On S. 1497, a pharmacy representative opposed restrictions on compounded drugs from outsourcing facilities, warning that changes could reduce access to life-saving medications and harm patient safety. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/29/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I have recently had a new respect because now my libraries have requested Narcan kits, and I'm proud
- to work with OASAS to make sure that our libraries have Narcan.
- to work with OASAS to make sure that our libraries have Narcan.
- to work with OASAS to make sure that our libraries have Narcan.
- to work with OASAS to make sure that our libraries have Narcan.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and discharged several identical Assembly/Senate bills from committee so they could be substituted on the calendar. The chamber then took up and previously adopted two commemorative resolutions: one designating April 2026 as Sikh Heritage Month and another honoring Korean War veterans. Senators from both parties spoke in support of the Sikh resolution, emphasizing the community’s contributions, service, and the need for recognition and inclusion; the resolution was opened for co-sponsorship and the Sikh guests in the gallery were recognized. The Korean War resolution drew remarks from members recalling family service and the sacrifices of veterans, with repeated calls to preserve their stories and honor their legacy.
The Senate then moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills. Among them were measures related to charter bus safety and seat belt awareness, coverage for doula services under insurance, social services/EBT-related changes, education, navigation, highway, public service, and hospital-closure reporting. Several bills passed unanimously or with only one dissenting vote; the social services bill drew the most opposition, with Senator Murray objecting that New York should first address EBT chip technology and skimming before adding new vendor requirements. One bill on the calendar was laid aside for the day.
The chamber also adopted a supplemental bill authorizing the South Country Central School District to finance certain deficits, described by Senator Murray as a necessary rescue to keep the district operating and pay staff. Senators discussed the state budget impasse during debate on an extender bill, with the sponsor explaining it was a “clean extender” to keep government running through May 4 and cover payroll, health, education, and other essential payments. Senator Helming raised concerns about the lack of rural health transformation funding and the consequences of the delayed budget for schools, local governments, and hospitals. The extender passed, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, May 4, 2026.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Health Services (11-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Narcan saturation plan. Narcan saturation plan.
- Uh so, we really think the Narcan Uh so, we really think the Narcan saturation<01:47:50.040>
- more about the Narcan saturation plan. more about the Narcan saturation plan.
- is to achieve saturation, meaning Narcan is to achieve saturation, meaning Narcan is<01:48:07.080
- overdose education and Narcan overdose education and Narcan distribution<01:48:19.640>
through
Summary:
The committee opened its sixth and final interim meeting with roll call, quorum confirmation, approval of the prior minutes, and a brief change in agenda order to preserve quorum and accommodate presenters’ schedules. Members then moved through several proposed health-related items with limited discussion, and the chair noted the committee would reconvene in January for further conversation.
The first substantive item was a proposal relating to utilization controls for non-opioid analgesics in Medicaid. Senator Gerald Neal and Tara Hyde of People Advocating Recovery argued that pain parity is needed so patients can access non-opioid options without prior authorization or step therapy barriers, especially in acute pain situations and for people in recovery. Senator Berg supported the concept and suggested expanding the approach to other prescriptions by allowing physicians to explain why step therapy is inappropriate at the time of prescribing; another member cautioned against unintended cost increases if non-opioid drugs are used as add-ons to opioids.
The committee then heard a proposal on physician assistants from Senator Scott and Andrew Rutherford of the Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants. They described a shift from a supervisory to a collaborative practice model, with practice scope set at the practice level, limited Schedule II prescribing authority under guardrails, and permission for PAs to perform driver’s license vision testing. Supporters said the changes would improve rural access, reduce administrative burden, and align Kentucky with neighboring states; a question from Representative Bratcher focused on experience requirements and how the proposal compares with nurse practitioner rules. No vote was taken.
Finally, Representative Nancy Tate, Adia Wuchner, and Representative Jason Nemes introduced a 2026 proposal aimed at “protecting vulnerable people.” They described a broad package focused on abortion pill trafficking, marketing to minors, commercial surrogacy, assisted suicide, and organ procurement safeguards, arguing that current law leaves gaps and that additional criminal and civil penalties are needed. The presentation was informational only, with no action taken before the meeting ended.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice Chair Witte, House File 1399 requires DOC to have sufficient Narcan in the prisons.
- Back then, the only way that we gave Narcan was either IV or through an innovated tube.
- And then also just kind of curious if law enforcement officers also carry Narcan.
- And then also just kind of curious if law enforcement officers also carry Narcan.
- been filling our supply of of Narcan been filling our supply of of Narcan using<01:25:55.320>
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 7, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- They never warned us that fentanyl stays in your body longer than Narcan can reverse it.
- This time, Narcan wasn't coming.
- This time Narcan wasn't coming.
- And she taught me about Narcan. And she told me how critically important that is.
- And she taught me about Narcan. And she told me how critically important that is.
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Committee heard and passed several bills. HB 293 would codify the Office of Faith and Community in the Executive Office of the Governor, create a liaison and advisory council, and was supported by faith-based and nonprofit groups; some members questioned possible duplication with existing services and the source of any future funding, but the bill passed 24-0. CS/HB 547 would create an exception to the 30-day notice requirement before hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers sell medical debt when the debt buyer agrees not to use interest, fees, or extraordinary collection actions and must return charity-care-eligible debt; it passed unanimously after brief support testimony. CS/HB 1553 would require reporting of uterine fibroid data to the Department of Health to create a de-identified public database and reauthorize funding for implementation; it also passed 24-0, with members noting the earlier database mandate had not been carried out.
The committee then took up CS/HB 1195, “Gage’s Law,” which would require hospitals and hospital-based emergency departments to test for fentanyl in urine drug screens for suspected overdose or poisoning cases. The bill was presented as a response to overdose deaths and the need to better detect fentanyl, and emotional testimony from a parent described a son’s death after a hospital did not test for fentanyl. Members from both parties spoke in strong support, emphasizing stigma, the need for better treatment and data, and the potential to save lives; the bill passed 24-0. CS/HB 47 on child care and early learning providers would streamline inspections, speed background screening, offer free online training/testing, update definitions, protect certain family child care homes from insurance issues, and create a license-exempt category for employer-provided child care; after questions about parent notice, database listing, background checks, and insurance, an amendment was adopted and the bill passed 24-0 as amended.
Finally, CS/HB 647 would allow advanced practice registered nurses to sign death certificates in hospice settings, addressing delays that can leave families waiting to complete burial arrangements. Support testimony came from advocacy and hospice groups, and members cited the bill’s importance for families and religious burial timelines. The bill passed 23-0. The committee then adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force Jun 24th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- You may know it as Narcan. It's very commonly known as Narcan on the street.
- They gave them Narcan, and they popped back to life.
- So, you know, we resuscitate the person with Narcan.
- Charles in 2014, a long time ago, with Narcan.
- Charles in 2014, a long time ago with Narcan.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- We already have Narcan in the schools, so they're familiar with that. Um, any other questions?
- We already have Narcan in the schools, so they're familiar with that. Um, any other questions?
- We already<00:08:57.519>
have <00:08:57.680>Narcan <00:08:58.160>in <00:08:58.320 - >
the <00:08:58.399>schools, <00:08:58.640>so already have Narcan in the schools - , so already have Narcan in the schools, so they're<00:08:59.040>
familiar <00:08:59.360>with
Keywords:
court costs, Choctaw County, jail funding, municipal court, criminal proceedings, education funding, student outcomes, K-12 education, RAISE Act, accountability, special education, English language learners, local education agency, respiratory therapy, respiratory therapist, respiratory care, licensure, licensing board, advanced practice provider, nurse practitioner
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Higher Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Considering this, everyone should have Narcan in their bags, especially youth and young adults.
- The first point I'd like to address is the importance of Narcan trainings.
- The first point I'd like to address is the importance of Narcan trainings.
- And we also gave them Narcan to take home.
- Everyone should carry Narcan. A lot of people don't even recognize an overdose when they see it.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Higher Education held its fourth public hearing, opening with remarks about the importance of protecting and expanding access to higher education amid federal disinvestment. The chairs also announced future informational hearings on the impact of federal cuts and on ASAP models. The hearing then focused on several bills, beginning with S. 951/H. 1462, An Act to Support College Students in Recovery, which would require recovery-focused housing on public campuses and expand naloxone access and overdose training. Senator Rausch, medical professionals, students, and advocates testified in support, emphasizing the prevalence of overdose risk among college students, the value of recovery housing, and the need for campus naloxone; committee members asked about implementation details and the existing state pilot program. Deb Schmill and Rep. Tarski gave especially personal testimony in favor of the bill, and the committee discussed broadening the naloxone language to opioid reversal agents.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 1461, which would expand MassReconnect scholarships to practical nursing students at vocational and technical schools to help address the long-term care workforce shortage. Rep. Stanley argued that vocational schools graduate more practical nursing students than community colleges and serve many low-income students in areas without nearby community college programs. The committee then took up H. 1433, which would require public higher education institutions to accept IEPs and 504 plans as sufficient documentation for disability accommodations. Advocates from the National Center for Learning Disabilities described the high cost and burden of repeat testing, the lifelong nature of disabilities, and the need for more uniform access across campuses; committee members raised questions about documentation freshness, campus autonomy, and how to preserve the integrity of accommodations.
Later, the committee heard S. 919/H. 1454 on modernizing the Community College Endowment Match Program so community colleges could receive state matching funds for current-use donations as well as endowments and capital gifts. Community college foundation leaders said the change would help fund immediate student needs such as food pantries, child care, emergency aid, and equipment. The hearing then moved to faculty-related bills: S. 933 on UMass faculty rights and tenure transparency, S. 930/H. 3948 on contingent faculty rights and career advancement, and S. 940/H. 1429 on an Adjunct Bill of Rights. Testimony from faculty and union representatives focused on low pay, lack of benefits, job insecurity, and the need for clearer pathways to full-time positions and fairer treatment for adjuncts who teach large shares of courses. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and asked clarifying questions.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force Jun 24th, 2026
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- You may know it as Narcan. It's very commonly known as Narcan on the street.
- I don't use that because Narcan is the brand name.
- It's very commonly known as Narcan on the street.
- I don't use that because Narcan is the brand name, and that is one company now.
- The paramedics showed up, and they gave them Narcan. They popped back to life.
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.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- It was two years ago on the Narcan. It was two years ago on the light<01:37:36.400>
rail. - <01:39:58.960>
Um, adamantly say Narcan is addictive. - Um, adamantly say Narcan is addictive.
- non-addictiveness of Narcan. non-addictiveness of Narcan.
- She said Narcan is not a drug within itself.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I know firsthand how many lives have been saved by the easy availability of Narcan.
- I know firsthand how many lives have been saved by the easy availability of Narcan.
- Here in our county, we have strived to teach and distribute Narcan in our communities.
- Narcan education and training is one way we can give our kids some sense of control back.
- Training students in Narcan isn't about encouraging drug use. It's about protecting life.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with the chairs emphasizing time limits, written testimony, and grouping similar measures together. Early testimony focused on opioid use disorder education in schools (S.382), with Senator Keenan arguing that students should be taught about the risks of substance use disorder and naloxone use as part of health curricula. Representative DeCost also briefly introduced H.551, a narrow bill concerning parent rights for children in third grade and younger. Several bills were then closed without testimony, including measures on type 1 diabetes informational materials and other diabetes-related proposals.
A major portion of the hearing centered on school health and emergency response bills. Supporters of H.652/S.342 on diabetes management in schools described inconsistent district practices and urged clearer standards so students can receive care in classrooms rather than being sent out of instruction. Bills on epinephrine access and seizure disorders drew extensive testimony: advocates for stock epinephrine in schools argued that unassigned epinephrine can save lives and should be funded in a cost-neutral way, while a pediatrician opposed one version as an unfunded mandate. For seizure-safe schools (S.422/H.635), students, parents, educators, and advocates described missed or delayed responses to seizures, stigma, and the need for staff training, seizure action plans, and emergency medication protocols. A separate bill, H.645, allowing anti-seizure medication on school buses, was supported by a parent and student who said current law forces costly and restrictive transportation arrangements.
The committee also heard testimony on youth skin health bills (S.334/H.600/H.619), which would let students carry and apply sunscreen at school and camp without a physician’s note. Supporters from melanoma prevention, dermatology, and industry groups said the bills would remove unnecessary barriers and promote sun-safe habits, while one witness cautioned about drafting details and unintended consequences. The hearing then moved to CPR/AED education for graduation (S.456), where Senator Tarr, a student advocate, and the Red Cross all supported requiring hands-on CPR certification for high school students. Finally, the committee took testimony on healthy school lunches (H.539/S.401): supporters from the Healthy School Lunch Coalition and school food directors backed stronger nutrition standards and a standing advisory council, while Consumer Brands Association witnesses opposed the bill as too vague and potentially disruptive. A nutrition scientist also warned about unintended restrictions on medically necessary or innovative foods. The chairs closed the hearing on the healthy lunch bills and then opened testimony on universal school meals for virtual schools (H.700), with Superintendent Patrick Latuka supporting access for students in Commonwealth virtual schools who currently receive no meal support.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Public Health Effects of Xylazine Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Are they, do they know enough about this, right, that, you know, you still need to apply Narcan, that
- So Narcan and naloxone should still be administered.
- Narcan obviously is equally as important.
- But this does. the stern Narcan, which reverses opioid overdoses by binding to opioid receptors.
- Another growing concern is the public overreliance on Narcan.
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.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - House Health & Human Services #2
Transcript Highlights:
- What we've seen is that there is a large amount of, I'm just going to say Narcan for now, Narcan out
- We all carried Narcan because you never know when you came upon someone with an overdose.
- Giving that Narcan was better than not doing anything because you've lost an airway.
- FDA all agree: expired Narcan is better than no Narcan. Thank you very much for the time.
- FDA all agree, expired NARCAN is better than no NARCAN. Thank you very much for the time.
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 2433, which would require insurers offering Medicare supplement policies to people 65 and older to also offer them to Medicare beneficiaries under 65 with ALS or end-stage renal disease, with enrollment periods and premium protections tied to 65-year-old rates. Supporters, including dialysis and ALS advocates, said the bill would help a small population facing high out-of-pocket costs and could improve access to transplants and care; opponents argued it would shift costs onto older seniors and raise Medigap premiums. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 12-0 vote.
The committee also heard House Bill 2593, appropriating $1.5 million to the University of Arizona for the Arizona Perinatal Psychiatry Access Line. The sponsor and physicians testified that the line helps obstetric and pediatric providers quickly consult on perinatal depression, postpartum psychosis, suicidality, and other mental health crises, improving outcomes for mothers, children, and families and reducing costly emergency and crisis care. The bill received a do pass recommendation on a 10-1 vote.
House Concurrent Resolution 2013, proclaiming June 2026 as Celebrate Life Month, drew emotional testimony from a young woman with spina bifida and another speaker supporting the sanctity of life. Some members objected that the state should focus on practical supports such as paid leave, child care, and health care access, while others supported the resolution as a statement of human dignity. The resolution passed the committee 7-5. The committee then approved House Bill 4010, creating a Board of Genetic Counselors and licensure standards, after testimony from genetic counselors and a patient advocate about the need for qualified counseling and better access; it passed 11-1.
Later, the committee approved House Bill 2196, which would require pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse non-affiliated pharmacies at least their acquisition cost and pay a dispensing fee, and establish an appeals process. Independent pharmacists and their coalition said PBM practices are driving closures and unfairly favor affiliated pharmacies, while PBM and employer representatives warned of major cost increases and said the bill would interfere with private contracts; the bill passed 11-1. The committee also adopted a strike-everything amendment to House Bill 2182 requiring insurers and health plans to report claims denial and prior authorization data to DIFI, and then gave the amended bill a 12-0 do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2189, directing the Board of Nursing to update rules for licensed health aides and collect annual data, with the sponsor and board staff saying it would help implement routine ventilator care in the home; it passed 12-0. The committee then began hearing House Bill 2404, a strike-everything amendment on inter-facility transports for behavioral health patients, but the transcript cuts off before action on that bill.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Oct 8th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- On NARCAN, but really we want to ensure that they provide their requests to us so we're not going in
- This included training on how to administer naloxone or Narcan and distributing Narcan.
- If you look at overdose prevention and the NARCAN work that health councils laid out on the top left
- This training included how to recognize the signs if someone is in overdose, how to administer Narcan
- And on the Narcan education and distribution for preventing overdose, they have.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- In many cases, Narcan, which is ineffective, has been administered and Cases Narcan, which is ineffective
- Department of Correction and county houses of correction to offer two doses of an opioid antagonist like Narcan
- to what we passed last year as part of the Substance Use Disorder bill, which calls for providing Narcan
- Providing Narcan to returning citizens, regardless of their drug usage, will benefit those currently
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security heard testimony on several bills affecting correctional facilities, disability access, public health, youth education, parole, and vehicle noise. Early testimony focused on H. 2736/S. 1762, “Matt’s Law,” which would permanently ban free weights in medium- and maximum-security correctional facilities and require exercise equipment to be secured. The bill was supported by the Tidman family, Rep. Wells, and the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union, who described the assault on Corrections Officer Matthew Tidman and argued the measure would prevent similar attacks. Committee members expressed sympathy and asked whether the Department of Correction could make the change administratively; witnesses said free weights had already been removed but that codifying the policy in law was needed.
The committee also heard S. 1753 on synthetic drugs in correctional facilities, which would make possession, distribution, and use of Class C synthetic substances in prisons and jails a felony with a mandatory minimum sentence. Senator O’Connor and MCOFU said synthetic drugs like K2 are being smuggled in through mail and are causing violence and medical emergencies among inmates and staff. H. 4123, filed by Rep. Donahue and Chair Vargas, would require correctional facilities to offer two doses of naloxone to people upon direct release; Donahue cited overdose risk after incarceration and her personal loss of a son to overdose. Sheriff Donna Buckley also testified in support of a commission to study sentencing jurisdiction and whether more people should be sentenced to county houses of correction rather than DOC facilities.
A large portion of the hearing was devoted to S. 1733, “An Act Building a More Accessible Massachusetts,” which would expand the Architectural Access Board’s authority over older buildings, workplace areas, and adaptable housing units. Chris Ho, disability advocates, and people with disabilities testified that the bill would help close gaps in accessibility for employment and housing, reduce long waits for accessible units, and support aging in place and independent living. The committee also heard S. 1721 on educational rights for incarcerated youth, with Avery Farmer arguing that 18- to 21-year-olds in DOC and houses of correction should receive the same educational services and disability supports as youth in DYS custody. Additional testimony supported S. 1716 regulating illegal exhaust systems, with one witness citing public health harms from vehicle noise and another opposing the bill as overbroad and harmful to classic car owners. Finally, Claire Massington testified for H. 2694 on equitable access to parole, calling for a more transparent, best-practices-based parole system with a revised board composition and a presumption of parole unless the board shows otherwise. The hearing ended with the chair adjourning the meeting due to a roll call in the House and Senate.