Law repeals behavioral health programs and reduces some funding

The law repeals three behavioral health statutes and transfers unused money from the high-risk families fund to the general fund. The repealed statutes are sections 27-50-305, 27-80-120, and 27-80-126; the money transfer applies to the high-risk families cash fund. The money transfers on June 30, 2026, and the high-risk families fund statute is repealed effective July 1, 2026.

The law reduces 2026–27 state funding for behavioral health safety net services and the recovery support services grant program. The reductions concern 2026–27 funding for the Behavioral Health Administration’s safety net services and recovery support services grant program. The safety net reduction is $3.5 million: $500,000 from the general fund and $3 million from the marijuana tax cash fund. The safety net reduction does not apply if either related appropriation is too small to cover its adjustment or if there is no appropriation for those services. The recovery grant reduction is $1,600,805, with one fewer related staff position; if its appropriation is smaller than the adjustment, it is reduced to zero, and no reduction is required if there is no appropriation. These adjustments apply to the 2026–27 state fiscal year and take effect only if that year’s general appropriation act becomes law.

The law allows lawmakers to choose whether to set aside money each year for a rural behavioral health care contract. The contract provides behavioral health care services for rural and agricultural communities. Any funding depends on a separate legislative appropriation. This applies beginning in fiscal year 2026–27 and in each fiscal year afterward.