Quick recap

The legislative networking group met to discuss updates and upcoming issues, with Duane reporting on recent Capitol meetings and a upcoming Senate hearing on THC product consumption and mental health services. Sherry provided detailed analysis of federal policy issues, including inconsistencies in President Trump's drug control strategy and proposed changes to 2 CFR regulations that could restrict federal funding for prevention programs and give administration officials broad discretion to cancel grants. The group discussed challenges with THC vaping among youth, including severe mental health impacts and combination with other substances, while Guillermo emphasized the importance of considering both federal and state perspectives in advocacy efforts. Additional topics included concerns about managed care organization communication practices and rate changes that affect providers, with Duane offering to help address these issues through legislative or regulatory channels.

Next steps

Anna

• Submit comments for the HHS RFI by the weekend and include the information in the newsletter.

Duane

• Attend the Senate Health and Human Services Committee hearing next Tuesday and submit written comments.

• Meet with Sunset Commission (with Frank Davis) to discuss the peer assistance program for LCDCs.

• Review the documentation from Ivonne regarding MCO issues and advise on possible courses of action.

Guillermo

• Send the summary of the 2 CFR proposed changes to Jennifer and/or Anna for distribution to the group.

Ivonne

• Send documentation of issues with Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to Duane for review and potential action.

Jennifer

• Attend the webinar on the policy implications of the 2 CFR changes and report back to the group.

  
  

Summary

Legislative Networking Group Meeting

The legislative networking group meeting began with casual conversation about weekend plans, where Guillermo shared news about his first grandchild being born. Duane provided updates on recent Capitol meetings and a meeting with HHSC regulatory folks, noting that Noah had been in town and they attended a Senate Health and Human Services Committee hearing on THC product consumption and mental health services scheduled for next Tuesday. Duane expressed disappointment that their offer to provide an expert witness was not accepted and criticized the committee's approach to interim charges, describing them as more politically motivated rather than genuinely policy-focused.

Federal Substance Abuse Policy Discussion

The group discussed federal policy issues related to substance abuse and treatment, with Sherri highlighting concerns about student loan eligibility for counselors, inconsistencies in drug policy implementation, and significant funding cuts to prevention programs. Sherri noted that while the Trump administration's drug control strategy aims to make treatment more accessible and decrease overdose deaths, it includes contradictory measures such as cutting Medicaid funding and restricting federal funds for test strips. The discussion also touched on upcoming comments for an HHS RFI due that weekend and preparation for an upcoming hearing.

Intelligence Surveillance and Funding Strategies

Guillermo discussed how intelligence community strategies, including medication tracking, could be applied to community-wide surveillance in cities like El Paso and Austin, though he questioned the true intentions behind such initiatives. Sherri highlighted inconsistencies between the administration's drug strategy rhetoric, which focuses on enforcement and treatment access, and its actual actions. Guillermo emphasized the importance of understanding federal policies and funding requirements as the state prepares for legislative sessions, noting concerns about the competitive grant application process where only the first 50 proposals are considered.

Grant Timeline and Policy Concerns

Sherri discussed concerns about the grant RFP timeline, noting that 2026 funding must be distributed by the end of September due to fiscal year constraints, and expressed concerns about state officials following Trump's priorities. The group discussed an upcoming hearing on July 7th where Trina will participate in a panel with the Texas Council, though Duane noted the hearing focuses primarily on mental health rather than addiction. Duane also explained that regarding THC regulations, while the state is seeking input on THC-induced psychotic disorders, there are concerns about getting involved during the special session due to the complex political dynamics between the governor and lieutenant governor over cannabis regulations.

THC Vaping Policy Discussion

The group discussed the political tensions between the Governor and Lieutenant Governor regarding THC vaping issues, with Duane noting that stakeholders are likely aligned with one position or the other rather than seeking neutral solutions. Ivonne shared local efforts to address youth vaping through pilot programs aimed at preventing felony convictions for first-time offenders, while Sherri and others highlighted the increased severity of mental health issues related to high-THC vaping products and the need to focus on protecting young people from these effects. The discussion emphasized concerns about unknown ingredients in vaping products and the combination of cannabis with other substances like energy drinks, which can lead to additional health risks.

Federal Regulations Change Concerns

Jennifer raised concerns about proposed changes to the 2 CFR federal regulations that could restrict how federal funds are used, particularly regarding equity and inclusion initiatives, with public comments due by July 13th. Guillermo explained that these changes would give political appointees more discretion to cancel federal grants if they don't align with the administration's priorities. The group also discussed issues with Medicaid managed care organizations changing payment policies without proper notification, with Duane offering to help address these concerns through legislative or regulatory channels.