Quick recap

The meeting focused on discussing legislative challenges and strategies for the upcoming session, including interim charges and a special election analysis that suggested shifting political trends. The group explored various issues related to DWI and drug courts, including treatment options and funding challenges, while also discussing the possibility of increasing alcohol taxes and addressing reduced funding for state-funded treatment beds. The conversation ended with discussions about funding consolidation issues, recent changes in treatment and prevention strategies, and a new funding opportunity from the Trump administration for medication-assisted treatment.

Next steps

• Duane: Draft and share with the group a document regarding the point person for prevention programs in the education committee, likely Senator Paxton, by the next meeting.

• Guillermo: Arrange time with Judge Robert Achundo to provide information and/or a general overview on DWI courts and potential statutory challenges, if specific questions arise from the group.

• Jennifer: Try to…

Quick recap

Duane reported on the state's special session and proposed transitioning the meeting to a legislative planning committee to prepare for the next session by developing priorities in key areas including treatment access, HHSC rules revision, and sunset review. The committee will focus on gathering member feedback, encouraging direct engagement with legislators, and organizing work into categories to facilitate participation and track progress. Noelle will invite members to participate in the newly structured meetings while Guillermo suggested bringing additional staff to help with advocacy efforts and shared plans for an October trip to DC to advocate against federal funding changes.

Next steps

• Duane to prepare and send out meeting agenda at least one week in advance

• Duane to locate and share previous ASP rule comments/submissions

• Sherry to be contacted regarding locating previous ASP rule comments

Quick recap

The meeting focused on discussing the ongoing government shutdown and its potential impacts on federal funding and operations, with participants sharing updates on how different agencies might be affected. The group reviewed current federal budget negotiations and congressional activities, including discussions about proposed restructuring of HHS and the status of key funding programs. The conversation ended with conversations about upcoming advocacy efforts, regulatory changes, and implementation of SB12, along with plans for future stakeholder meetings and briefings.

Next steps

• Noelle to RSVP for the HHSC regulatory reform stakeholder meeting on October 20th on behalf of the association.

• Vaughan to forward the HHSC regulatory reform stakeholder meeting information to Sherri and Duane.

• Sherri to forward Philip Sharp's contact information to Duane.

Quick recap

The meeting began with introductions and updates on legislative advocacy efforts, including the importance of federal funding and rule changes. The group discussed various challenges facing substance use disorder services, including budget cycles, parental consent requirements, and credentialing issues for community behavioral health centers. The conversation ended with discussions on developing a legislative strategy, focusing on identifying organizational strengths and addressing potential threats, while emphasizing the need to finalize priorities by early next year.

Next steps

• Noelle: collect feedback on chemical dependency treatment facility regulation rules by today

• Noelle: set up notification to track when parental consent rule clarifications will be discussed on the education side

• Noelle: send the December 11th Health and Human Services executive committee meeting agenda regarding Texas Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics rule changes