Advocacy Alert: April 2026 Legislative News Round Up

May 7, 2026

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.

HI | Hawaii Holds Off On Gambling Expansion Amid Legislative Priorities
Shared 4/1/2026
Proposals involving casinos, a state lottery, cruise‑ship gambling, and prediction markets all failed to advance past early committee deadlines this year.

KS | Douglas County commissioners to decide addiction and alcohol fund allocations, consider application process changes
Shared 4/2/2026
The county channels part of its opioid settlement funds to local programs through the Municipalities Fight Addiction Fund, which allocates 25% of the funds to participating cities and counties, with the remaining 75% going to the statewide Kansas Fights Addiction Fund.

ME | Maine bill would help prevent closures of children's residential behavioral treatment programs
Shared 4/3/2026
There are only a handful of Maine organizations that provide children's residential services.

DE | Delaware lawmakers offer competing bills to regulate kratom, an opioid-like herbal supplement
Shared 4/3/2026
Critics say kratom is dangerous and addictive, but others say it’s effective for withdrawing from opiates and pain relief.

Over 100 Organizations Join APF in Urging Congress to Continue Funding for Key Addiction Programs
Shared 4/7/2026
The national sign-on letter calls on Congress to maintain funding for key federal agencies and programs that address substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health disorders across the continuum of care.

MS | Mississippi Department of Mental Health hosts IDD Day at the Capitol
Shared 4/7/2026
A highlight of the day came when Governor Tate Reeves signed a proclamation officially recognizing March as IDD Awareness Month in Mississippi, underscoring the state’s dedication to honoring and supporting the more than 41,000 Mississippians living with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

AK | Alaska advocates push for legislation to help pay for behavioral health crisis services
Shared 4/7/2026
The legislation would establish a $0.98 monthly surcharge on all Alaska telephone numbers that would go toward a dedicated Behavioral Health Crisis Services Fund, generating an estimated $6 million to $8 million annually.

MT | Montana voters overwhelmingly view cost as a major mental health care hurdle
Shared 4/8/2026
An MTFP-Eagleton poll of registered voters show that affordability concerns are more widespread than worry about travel distance or stigma.

RI | State Senate introduces legislation aiming to increase primary care providers, support mental health hotlines
Shared 4/9/2026
Several of the 17 proposed bills would help establish a medical school at URI.

NC | North Carolina invests $5.7M to addiction treatment services
Shared 4/9/2026
The investment goes to support statewide public health and public safety, Gov. Stein said.

TN | Tennessee Bans AI From Claiming to be Licensed Mental Health Professionals
Shared 4/17/2026
Supporters emphasize that genuine human connection—such as sitting across from a trained professional with lived experience—cannot be replicated by technology.

VA | 21 New Education Bills in Virginia Deal With Tech, Mental Health
Shared 4/24/2026
New legislation signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger requires schools to impose bell-to-bell phone restrictions, teach kids about social media addiction, promote the suicide crisis hotline and align CTE with workforce needs.

OK | State lawmakers consider what's next for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health
Shared 4/29/2026
The measure would authorize Keith Reed, the Oklahoma Commissioner of Health, to hold dual-office.

April 2026 Advocacy Update for NBHAP Members
Shared 4/15/2026
In the April 2026 update, our advocate continues to update you on the current funding situation for the governmental organizations that work within the behavioral health and addiction treatment industry.

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.