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NCSL Updates
NEW REPORT: Artificial Intelligence in Government: The Federal and State Landscape
State and federal lawmakers are expanding the use of artificial intelligence across agencies to improve efficiency, decision-making and the delivery of government services, with a strong focus on governance, ethical practices and interagency collaboration. Read more
Administration Updates
Third Extension of Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services have jointly extended telemedicine flexibilities for the prescription of controlled medications through Dec. 31, 2025. The extension generally permits DEA-registered practitioners to prescribe certain controlled substances to patients via telemedicine without an in-person medical evaluation, and to continue prescribing via telemedicine to patients physically located in any state in which the practitioners are licensed to practice, without separate state DEA registrations.
In a letter to the Hill supporting the extension, NCSL highlighted the success of these flexibilities in facilitating access to lifesaving medications, such as methadone for opioid use disorder. Additionally, the flexibilities eliminated significant barriers to care for patients who lack the ability to take time off from work and/or access to affordable child care or transportation—all of which may be necessary to attend an in-person office visit. Preliminary findings on the effectiveness of tele-prescribing flexibilities indicate that patients had greater fidelity to treatment schedules and lower risk of overdose.
NCSL will continue to monitor the announcement of these important final regulations.
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Education Department Releases 2025-26 FAFSA as Congress Passes Deadline Bill
The Department of Education officially released the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid last week. The form had been live on the department’s website since Oct. 1 as part of a beta-testing period. The paper form is now available for students to submit. Read more
In addition, Congress passed legislation that would mandate the FAFSA to be released by Oct. 1 each year; current law allows the Department of Education until Jan. 1 to release it. The legislation passed the Senate on unanimous consent and the House by a vote of 380-1. President Biden is expected to sign the bill. NCSL advocated for this year’s FAFSA to be made available by Oct. 1 in response to significant delays for the release of last year’s form. Read more
FERC Rule Expansion
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission modified Order No. 1920, which is the long-term transmission planning rule. FERC explains that the goal of the original rule is to address unprecedented demands for electricity, and recent updates to that rule will bolster the role of state regulators in the project’s implementation. Updates to the rule largely upheld the original rule’s text while giving state regulators more opportunities to collaborate in establishing regional transmission programs. This change was made following a request for rehearing and clarification of the order to allow state regulators to provide important firsthand perspectives in the regulatory process. Read more