Advocacy Alert: April 2024 Legislative News Round Up

May 2, 2024

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.

AK | Mental health education bill backed by Senate; headed to the House
Shared 4/2/2024
A bill focused on ensuring mental health is taught in Alaska school districts is expected to make its way to the House floor, according to Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson’s office.

IN | Indiana Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Bill Sent to Governor
Shared 4/2/2024
If passed, the bill would help fund research initiatives to study psilocybin treatments for a variety of medical conditions.

Alberta announces Crown corporation to gather research on addiction recovery
Shared 4/4/2024
The Alberta government is creating a Crown corporation to gather research to bolster addiction-recovery efforts as part of its broader restructuring of the health system.

NE | Advocates for improved mental health care predict ‘consequences’ from $15 million budget cut
Shared 4/5/2024
One in five Nebraskans suffers from some kind of behavioral health issue. And only half of those needing help are getting it, they added.

State Laws Set the Tone for Safety and Risk of Suicide Among LGBTQ Youth
Shared 4/10/2024
Suicide attempts are 18% lower when states clearly include sexual orientation and gender identity in antibullying laws. States with more gay/straight alliances have lower rates of physical harm and suicide.

FL | Gov. DeSantis says opioid overdose deaths in Florida are decreasing
Shared 4/10/2024
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday morning held a news conference in Central Florida to ceremonially sign legislation aimed at fighting the opioid epidemic.

Could a Vaccine Solve the Opioid Crisis?
Shared 4/11/2024
Congressman David Schweikert introduced a bill that would provide a prize for the successful development of a vaccine "to prevent, treat, or mitigate opioid, cocaine, methamphetamine, or alcohol use disorder."

Ben Cardin Leads Senate Finance Committee Hearing On Improving Substance Use Disorder Care
Shared 4/11/2024
Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) leads a Senate Finance Committee hearing on substance abuse.

KY | Kentucky group calls on Congress to expand telehealth recovery treatment
Shared 4/11/2024
A Kentucky group focused on removing barriers to addiction recovery is calling on Congress to expand telehealth treatment.

MI | Advocates work to fix shortage of mental health professionals, social workers serving rural schools
Shared 4/11/2024
The situation has become critical, with shortages of mental health professionals occurring at a local, state and nationwide level, with districts in rural areas most vulnerable to these shortages.

CT | Senate Votes To Create Task Forces To Study Hate Speech, Universal Intake For Behavioral Health
Shared 4/12/2024
The state Senate voted to advance bills creating task forces to study behavioral health and the effect of hate speech on children.

MO | Missouri kids are in a mental health crisis. This bill would offer badly needed help
Shared 4/15/2024
In the United States, youth mental health has only gotten worse. In Missouri, it is a crisis.

CA | Fresno County behavioral health services prepare for impacts of Prop 1
Shared 4/17/2024
The measure will impose strict requirements on counties to spend on housing and drug treatment programs to tackle the state's homelessness crisis.

NJ | Advocates, health professionals plead for more money for youth mental health
Shared 4/18/2024
As the Legislature continues its review of the governor’s $56 billion budget proposal, school officials, advocates and health care professionals continue to raise concerns about the need for more state funding to address mental health issues among young p

MS | State partnership with Canopy could provide essential psychiatric care for Mississippi children
Shared 4/19/2024
Legislative efforts are underway to provide state support for a private non-profit known for serving the needs of children and families in the state of Mississippi.

ID | Idaho Behavioral Health Council seeks feedback on how to spend millions in opioid settlement funds
Shared 4/24/2024
The Idaho Behavioral Health Council recommends to Gov. Brad Little and the Idaho Legislature how to spend the state’s 40% share of opioid settlement funds, the council said in a news release.

The role of peer counselors in addiction recovery is more essential than ever (Opinion)
Shared 4/25/2024
Proposed legislative changes could lead to fewer of these mentors, taking hope away from people with few other options.

IA | Iowa House passes Kim Reynolds' bill to overhaul mental health, disability services
Shared 4/25/2024
Iowa House lawmakers have approved a plan to overhaul the state's mental health and disability service systems, sending one of Gov. Kim Reynolds' priority pieces of legislation to the Senate.

NM | Study measures impact of New Mexico behavioral health copay law
Shared 4/26/2024
A new, one-of-a-kind law took effect in New Mexico two years ago that did away with behavioral health co-pays for people in certain insurance plans. A new study on the law says results so far are mixed.

AK | Alaska Senate passes bill granting schools power to offer psychiatric services without parental consent
Shared 4/26/2024
The Alaska State Senate passed a bill that would let schools bypass parental consent and either recommend or actually deliver psychological and psychiatric therapy to children without obtaining parental consent.

VT | Vermont lawmakers grapple with drug decriminalization
Shared 4/29/2024
As state leaders search for ways to combat Vermont’s drug crisis, some say the state should look at decriminalizing drugs.

Drug user advocates concerned about B.C.’s decriminalization exception request
Shared 4/30/2024
B.C.'s request comes after repeated criticism from politicians, health workers and police about the policy, including open drug use in public spaces.

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.