Panel approves adding DBHDS recovery specialist and state police gaming rep to problem‑gambling advisory group

The Senate committee reported House Bill 32, a measure to expand membership on the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Advisory Committee to include an employee from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services who specializes in recovery and treatment services and a representative from the Virginia State Police Gaming Enforcement Unit.

Sponsor Delegate XC said the advisory committee grew out of prior work and that members have learned from its meetings over the last four years. Senator Reeves said that expanding gaming in Virginia has increased demand for treatment and that the committee must be adequately staffed and funded to serve people harmed by gambling.

The committee opened the roll after brief discussion and moved to report the bill.

The bill was reported out of committee for further consideration in the legislative process.