Senate adopts amendment to SB 26 limiting initial prescribers and advances licensing changes

Senators debated and amended second substitute SB 26, Behavioral Health Licensing Amendments, on the floor before ultimately adopting the amended measure and passing the bill. Senator Bramble, sponsor of the substitute, opened the presentation; Senator Kennedy moved Amendment #5 and spoke to the body about limiting what new prescribers could initially prescribe.

In floor remarks Senator Kennedy explained the amendment would preserve controlled‑substance restrictions and would allow new prescribers to use selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other medicines that the physician licensing board approves. He summarized the amendment as adding a safety guardrail: "So these initial prescribers would not be able to prescribe controlled substances. What they could prescribe is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors…" The sponsor and amendment author said the change sought to strike a balance between expanding access and protecting patient safety.

The chamber adopted Senator Kennedy's amendment, moved to circle the bill to allow final drafting, and later uncircled and returned the measure to the floor with the amendment incorporated. After further discussion and a final vote, second substitute SB 26 received 26 aye votes, 0 nay votes and was transmitted to the House for further consideration.

Floor discussion highlighted concerns about prescribing authority, the role of the physician licensing board, and the need for defined drug lists and oversight; sponsors emphasized guardrails and post‑adoption coordination with licensing authorities.