The bill S1253 would require the State Health Benefits Plan and the School Employees Health Benefits Plan to cover alcohol and substance abuse services under the same terms and conditions as other illnesses. If the plan does not cover alcohol and substance abuse services, there is no requirement for coverage. The bill was heard in the Pensions and Health Benefits Commission which recommended that the bill not be enacted. It was then heard and released from the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee and is awaiting action in the Senate Budget Committee.