HB 656: Mental health & substance abuse disorders; network adequacy standards, comparative analyses.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Mental health and substance abuse disorders; network adequacy standards; comparative analyses; report; emergency regulations. Directs the Department of Health to issue regulations that include quantitative network adequacy standards for timely access to care, travel time, and geographical distance that are at least as stringent as those imposed for qualified health plans and qualified dental plans. The bill amends the definitions of "mental health services" and "substance abuse services" for the purposes of health insurance coverage. The bill requires health carriers to submit all comparative analyses prepared pursuant to federal law to the Bureau of Insurance on the date and frequency as specified by the Bureau and includes additional information to include in such submission. Under the bill, the Bureau may impose a penalty not to exceed $100,000 for a noncompliant or insufficient comparative analysis or require a carrier to remove, revise, or remedy noncompliant treatment limitations. The bill also amends the contents of the annual report submitted by the Bureau to the General Assembly to cover enforcement efforts with respect to the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008.The bill authorizes the Bureau to promulgate regulations as necessary to implement the provisions of the bill and directs the Department of Health to adopt emergency regulations to implement the provisions of the bill. The bill directs the Department of Human Resource Management to evaluate the impact of the proposed changes to the provisions of the bill related to health insurance. The provisions of the bill related to health insurance have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027. This bill is identical to SB 524.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 7 · Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. April 13, 2026Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0652)
2. April 13, 2026Approved by Governor-Chapter 652 (Effective - see bill)
3. March 31, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
4. March 31, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
5. March 31, 2026Signed by Speaker
6. March 31, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB656)
7. March 30, 2026Signed by President
8. March 30, 2026Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB656ER)
9. March 30, 2026Enrolled
10. March 11, 2026Senate substitute agreed to by House (92-Y 6-N 0-A)
11. March 10, 2026Passed Senate with substitute Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
12. March 10, 2026Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute

Showing 12 most recent of 37 actions. Full history