Legislative Committee Update

Are we ready? Let’s get ready to advocate for psychology and mental health services with legislators. Advocacy was a frequent topic at this year’s Annual Convention beginning with Dr. Maysa Akbar from APA who said,” Psychology is needed now more than ever.”

The 2026 session will begin on January 6, 2026. This is the 60-day budget session. KPA has a history of legislative success on mental health issues. However, at times these efforts have not been adequately funded or enforced. As some of you know, Dr Eric Russ, our KPA Executive Director also serves as our lobbyist. He has been very busy in the interim meeting with other mental health groups and legislators. Thanks to Dr. Russ, for keeping the committee and KPA aware of issues we need to address. His column will present specific bills and issues that will be monitored.

I mentioned at convention that the Legislative Committee now meets all year. We meet monthly in the interim months but weekly when the session begins. This increase in frequency has allowed us to feel more prepared to address bills we support or oppose. The committee members present insights on the best way to approach legislators.

The Committee will follow 20-25 bills that align with the priorities approved by the Board. While there are hundreds of bills filed, we must prioritize those we feel are most important.

Bills can move rapidly during session so the committee will issue an Action Alert if a particular bill is moving through the legislative process. We will give you information about contacting legislators along with the rationale for opposing or supporting the bill. Your personal contacts as a constituent carry a great deal of importance. Even five to ten calls or letters can have an impact. Don’t underestimate your influence.

Thank you for continuing to support the committee’s efforts to work toward promoting and protecting psychology and mental health services.

We will keep you posted so watch for the alerts as we are ready!!