Week 1 1/2 Almost Done!

January 23, 2026

Not a bad start to the Session – we have a couple of “wins” under our belts and that is always a good way to start:

• It looks like the Redesign “Pause” will definitely occur – the exact wording is still to be worked out and we seem to be making some progress on restoring “Community Stab” funding.
• The “leave for relief staff” issue appears to be solved; we testified yesterday in support in the House Sub-Committee and the exemption for DBHDS licensed facilities was included (it’s already in the bill in the Senate).
• Member amendments to the budget are in – one small hiccup but we were on it quickly and it will be worked out in the process!
• Moving toward licensing for PBSFs took a giant leap this morning – thanks to the hard work of all the APBSF members (and Meneika Chandler) and came out of sub-committee unanimously!
• The bill which would have allowed certain individuals to carry weapons into our programs was passed by indefinitely yesterday (we supported VACSB on that one!)

These are a few highlights!  We hope to have a call next week to elaborate!  As long as the GAB has power and water they will be in Session on Monday – they do not close for the weather!  Please stay safe this weekend!