February 2026 Policy Alert

Almost seven weeks into the 2026 session of the Maryland General Assembly, there are more than 50 bills on behavioral health moving through both chambers of government. This policy alert highlights key activities, hearings and behavioral health news.

Press Conference on Proposed Behavioral Health Budget Cuts

At a press conference on February 24, behavioral health advocates called on the General Assembly to restore funding for key behavioral health programs to ensure Marylanders receive the mental health and substance use care they need. BHSB and other members of the Maryland Behavioral Health Coalition highlighted three key funding areas:

• Provide a 3% funding increase for community mental health and substance use care
• Reverse a proposed $20 million cut from annual school mental health funding
• Restore funding for expansion of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

The Maryland Behavioral Health Coalition is a diverse mix of nonprofit organizations working together to ensure all Marylanders have equitable access to high quality, culturally and linguistically competent mental health care that is outcomes-oriented, patient-centered and promotes recovery and resiliency.

Overdose Prevention Advocacy Day

On February 10, BHSB joined Maryland Lt. Governor Aruna Miller and scores of advocates in Annapolis to call for policies that prevent overdose and save lives. The second annual Overdose Prevention Advocacy Day rally brought together health care providers, faith leaders, advocates, lawmakers, and Marylanders with lived experience to champion evidence-informed, person-centered strategies that support individuals and families impacted by substance use and mental health conditions.

L-R: Dan Rabbit, Policy Director; Greg Frailey, Training Coordinator; Zach Kozinski, Director, Harm Reduction; Adrienne Breidenstine, VP, Policy and Communications

Key Dates

March 4 | 1pm - House Behavioral Health Administration budget hearing*

March 5 | 1pm - Senate Behavioral Health Administration budget hearing*

March 23 - Opposite chamber bill crossover

April 13 - End of legislative session

* Watch the hearing (scroll to “Live Media”) or watch the House and Senate recordings

Behavioral Health News

Bill aims to close Maryland’s shortage of school psychologists (Maryland Matters, 2/18/2026)

Senate leaders, advocates seek to preserve funding for behavioral health programs in Maryland (WBAL- TV, 2/25/2026)

Lawmakers, advocates push Maryland General Assembly for more mental health funding (WYPR - 88.1 FM Baltimore, 2/25/2026)

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