WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

LD 156

An Act To Improve Notifications Related To Substance-Exposed Infants

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michele Meyer

Standardizes and speeds notifications of substance-exposed newborns to DHHS, CPS, and early intervention, improving timely referrals and support for families.

Signed by Governor
#affectedinfants #education #substanceusedisorder
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LD 156

Summary — LD 156: An Act To Improve Notifications Related To Substance‑Exposed Infants

Status: Signed by the Governor (June 18, 2025)
Introduced: January 14, 2025 — Sponsor: Rep. Meyer of Eliot
Committee: Health and Human Services

Note: The packet provided includes fiscal notes and legislative action history but does not include the full bill text. The summary below describes the statute’s purpose and likely effects based on the bill title, committee context, and official fiscal information. Where the exact statutory changes are not available, this summary indicates the likely scope and impacts rather than quoting specific statutory language.

Purpose

The bill’s stated aim is to improve notification processes related to infants who are exposed to substances (for example, prenatal exposure to alcohol or controlled substances). The intent is to strengthen communication among health care providers, state agencies, and other relevant parties so that affected infants can be identified earlier and appropriate services or protections can be provided.

Key provisions (scope inferred from title and committee context)

  • Standardize or enhance notifications when a newborn or infant is identified as substance‑exposed (may amend who must notify and to whom notifications must be sent).
  • Clarify timelines, required content, and recipient agencies for notifications (e.g., Department of Health and Human Services, child protective services, early intervention programs, or other care coordinators).
  • Improve coordination between hospitals/healthcare providers and state agencies to promote timely assessment, referrals, and follow‑up services for infants and families.
  • May include confidentiality and data‑sharing protocols to balance child welfare needs and privacy protections.

Because the final bill text is not included here, specific requirements, definitions, and procedures adopted by the law (such as exact reporting timelines or the list of required recipients) are not available in these documents.

Who is affected

  • Substance‑exposed infants and their families/caregivers.
  • Hospitals, birthing centers, and health care providers involved in perinatal care and newborn screenings.
  • Department of Health and Human Services, child welfare workers, and agencies that coordinate early intervention or substance use treatment services.
  • Potentially local schools or social service providers who receive notifications or referrals.

Fiscal impact

  • Fiscal notes (preliminary and as amended) report a "minor cost increase" to the General Fund.
  • Any additional costs to the Department of Health and Human Services are expected to be minor and absorbed within existing budgeted resources.

Legislative history / timeline

  • Referred to Health and Human Services: 1/14/2025
  • Reported Out (OTP‑AM), Work Session, Committee Amendment "A" (H‑650) adopted: May–June 2025
  • Passed both chambers and signed by the Governor: June 12–18, 2025

Implementation considerations

  • The documents reviewed do not state the bill’s effective date or the precise administrative actions required. Agencies responsible for implementation (primarily DHHS) will need to update policies, notification forms, and training to comply with any new reporting or coordination requirements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.