Work in study committees and on retained bills from the 2009 session continues. New Futures actively participates in committee meetings regarding HB 410 (relative to the licensure of drug and alcohol counselors) and the Organizational Structure of the Liquor Commission. During the most recent meeting of the Committeestudying the liquor commission, Tricia provided testimony similar to that which she delivered to the Finance Committee this spring. Both committees are scheduled to complete their work by December 1, 2009. Their work may result in introduction of bills for the 2010 session.

Approximately 650 Legislative Service Requests (LSR) for bills were filed during the House filing period. The filing period for Senate Bills is October 28 – November 6. We expect to identify bills of interest on the LSR List  (which includes only the bill title and prime sponsor) in the next few weeks. Look for a list in this space next month. 

In addition to 2010 legislation we are paying close attention to the state budget and revenue reports because we recognize that in past years funding for the Alcohol Fund has been reduced by Executive Order when budget reductions were sought by the Governor. 

Because of its potential impact on access to treatment for substance use disorders, we are keeping abreast of developments with regard to federal health reform. As of the date of this update, all five health care reform bills making their way through the United States Congress (three bills in the House of Representatives and two in the Senate) contain provisions that provide parity for substance use disorder and mental health treatment. We anticipate that there will be the opportunity for advocacy with our federal congressional delegation as the debate continues in Washington.

 

For more information about legislative issues, please contact Tricia Lucas at 225-9540.