POLICIES IMPACTING THE OPIOID CRISIS
In the recent legislative session, 183 bills impacted the opioid crisis, with 177 addressing substantive policy and six focusing on appropriations. Interestingly, those bills that explicitly mention “fentanyl” or “opioids” are nearly exclusively in the justice policy silo, while those containing the keywords of “substance abuse” or “behavioral health” sit squarely in the healthcare silo.
Of these 91 unique policy solutions, only 17 policy bills passed that directly impacted the opioid crisis. But these 17 policies were often sweeping in their scope — creating entirely new systems for behavioral health teaching hospitals and involuntary holds, for example. Importantly, the 17 bills that passed were evenly split between the justice and healthcare silos, with one bill a technical, administrative bill.
The 2024 legislative session introduced significant health and criminal justice policies, impacting areas such as recovery residences, mental health care, and public safety.
TOP TAKEAWAYS
- June 6: Revive Awareness Day
- HB 975 creates a peer designation for those who have experienced being unhoused.
- HB 1065 prevents denial of housing based on applicants use of MOUD/MAT, preempts local governments from regulating frequency or duration of occupancy if recovery residence within multi-family zoned area.
- Involuntary Behavioral Health Services creates inpatient and outpatient involuntary services.
- SB 330 and SB 7016 encourages behavioral health workforce development through TEACH program and behavioral health teaching hospital system creation and additional interstate compacts.
- Public records exemption provided for individuals considering participation in a problem solving court.
TOP TAKEAWAYS
- Exposures of First Responders to Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogs: As of July 1, a person who seeks medical attention for an overdose or injury from overconsumption of alcohol or illicit drugs can be charge with a second degree felony if they seek emergency assistance and during the administration of this assistance the first responder is exposed to fentanyl or fentanyl analogs and overdoses or is seriously injured.
- Tianeptine, linked to overdose and death, has been added to the controlled substances list.
- SB 1224 creates Fostering Prosperity Program (DOE) to issue grants to youth aging out of the foster care system.
- HB 1325 prohibits homelessness on public property and creates mechanism by which counties can create homeless encampments to house and to provide services to individuals.