Advocacy Alert: August 2025 Legislative News Round Up

September 4, 2025

For those of you who follow us on social media know, we post news stories on a daily basis that are connected to the behavioral health and addiction treatment industry.

Many of these are news stories regarding legislation, so once a month we send out a 'news roundup' of related news stories we've posted. Unless otherwise stated, NBHAP has no official stance on any of these stories: the intention is to share so that we're all better informed as to what's happening in the legislative world.

A reminder that NBHAP members get access to a monthly update with our advocate in Washington, DC, to find out what is going on and ask any questions you may have. Feel free to contact us for more information on that.

MS | Public hearing set as Mississippi lawmakers consider the efficacy of Ibogaine
Shared 8/8/2025
The psychoactive treatment is said to be effective in treating PTSD, trauma and addiction.

NJ | New Jersey Considers Bill to Mandate High School Education About Gambling Dangers
Shared 8/8/2025
New Jersey legislators are considering a bill that would incorporate gambling education into high school curriculums.

IA | Iowa officials announce end to a program for severe mental health and behavioral issues
Shared 8/8/2025
State officials' plan to end a program for Iowans who have severe mental illness in the next six months has left providers and family members concerned about the future of care.

SD | Rep. Dusty Johnson Hosts Behavioral Health Roundtable in South Dakota
Shared 8/11/2025
Representative Dusty Johnson hosted a behavioral health roundtable, uniting South Dakota mental health experts to tackle rising concerns around addiction, youth suicide, and the shortage of mental health professionals.

Harm reduction techniques being phased out under Trump
Shared 8/12/2025
Safe drug use sites, other techniques criticized.

FDA Updates Opioid Labels to Emphasize Long-Term Risks
Shared 8/12/2025
New labeling rules follow evidence linking extended opioid use to serious health dangers, including addiction and overdose.

NE | Behavioral health clinics in region receive state boost to train new clinicians
Shared 8/13/2025
Nebraska’s State Advisory Board for Behavioral Health is calling on lawmakers to secure funding for long-term mental health and substance abuse treatment.

NM | New Mexico Courts announce funding for behavioral health regions
Shared 8/19/2025
Local, tribal or quasi-government organizations are eligible for up to $45,000 in each of New Mexico’s 13 behavioral health regions, the state Administrative Office of the Courts announced on Monday.

OR | With two landmark bills, Oregon charts new course on youth drug prevention
Shared 8/20/2025
After a decade of failing to equip vulnerable youth with tools to fight addiction pressures, state officials must now craft a statewide strategy for prevention, treatment and recovery for Oregonians up to age 26.

IL | New Illinois bill could give more rights to those with opioid addiction disorder
Shared 8/20/2025
Illinois bill could give more rights to those with opioid addiction disorder.

WA | Seattle council backs preemptive sales tax slice for addiction treatment programs
Shared 8/22/2025
According a news release, the public safety sales tax increase, if implemented, would generate close to $40 million a year and Council President Nelson’s initiative would dedicate up to $10 million of that revenue to support a variety of critical initiatives.

MA | By the numbers: A look at substance related deaths as new Massachusetts law helps to prevent overdoses
Shared 8/25/2025
The latest data from the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services shows a significant decrease in opioid-related deaths, with 1,840 deaths recorded in FY’24, down from 2,407 in FY’23, marking a 23% reduction.

VA Mental Health Providers Say They Are Under Pressure to Limit Care
Shared 8/26/2025
Veterans Affairs officials insist there are no caps on mental health care, but providers in multiple states disagree.

MO | Legislative task force works to address addiction in Missouri
Shared 8/28/2025
People aged 35-44 make up the highest number of overdose deaths in the state.

Questions? Concerns?

As always, we want your input.

A reminder that NBHAP members get regular access to our advocate in Washington, DC. If you have any questions about NBHAP's advocacy efforts, please contact us.