Why 3/5: While the full impact on health insurance is delayed until July 1, 2027, state agencies are directed to begin developing and implementing regulations, including emergency regulations, soon.
Health carriers will face stricter regulations regarding timely access to mental health and substance abuse care, including new network adequacy standards and increased scrutiny of their compliance with mental health parity laws. The Bureau of Insurance can impose penalties up to $100,000 for non-compliant analyses or require carriers to fix limitations, ultimately aiming to improve patient access to necessary services.
Update
Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
Third reading
Read third time
Update
Education and Health Substitute agreed to
Substitute adopted
Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute
Passed a chamber
Passed Senate with substitute Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
Substitute adopted
Senate substitute agreed to by House (92-Y 6-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB656ER)
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
This bill has passed its votes and is headed to the Governor's desk. You still have a say — the Governor's office reads messages before deciding whether to sign.
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Summarized from the official bill text (“Mental health & substance abuse disorders; network adequacy standards, comparative analyses.”) · Read the actual bill →
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB656)
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 652 (Effective - see bill)
Update
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0652)