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Panel backs $26.36M for mental-health opioid services and wide mix of prevention, treatment, and forensic funding

House Ways and Means General Fund · February 26, 2026

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Summary

The committee voted to favorably report a 2026 supplemental appropriation from the Opioid Commission that directs $26.36 million to the Department of Mental Health and additional millions to universities, specialty courts, forensic testing, and other programs supporting prevention, treatment and recovery.

The House Ways and Means General Fund committee voted to give a favorable report to a 2026 supplemental appropriation package from the Opioid Commission, directing tens of millions of dollars to prevention, treatment, recovery and related services.

Chairman Reynolds presented the package and itemized the recommended allocations: $1,500,000 to the Board of Pardons and Paroles; $26,360,000 to the Department of Mental Health for annual grants supporting prevention, treatment and recovery; $1,900,000 to Auburn University for prevention and education; $2,000,000 for Birmingham psychiatric residencies; $1,100,000 to University of South Alabama Health for prevention; $3,000,000 to the Administrative Office of Courts for specialty courts; $2,100,000 to (DISC) attorneys; $22,136,650 for Child Advocacy Centers (CACs); $1,092,000 to the Office of Prosecution Services; $450,000 to the Department of Forensic Science for fentanyl testing technology; $500,000 to the Department of Senior Services for a grandparents program; and $1,000,000 to the Department of Corrections.

Chairman Reynolds also told the committee that state training and other initiatives have been followed by a reduction in opioid prescriptions: "...we've seen a 40% decrease in prescriptions written for opioids," a figure he said compared to the last reporting period. Members moved and seconded the package and the committee approved a favorable report by voice vote.

What it means: The appropriations are aimed at expanding prevention, treatment, forensic capacity and court specialty programs across the state. The transcript does not show an itemized roll-call vote; the clerk recorded that HB 47 was given a favorable report. The funds will be distributed to the agencies listed if the legislature finalizes the appropriations.

Next steps: HB 47 moves forward with the committee’s favorable recommendation; agency allocations and any specific grant criteria will depend on subsequent legislative and executive actions.