Iowa House Bill HF2427

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/12/24
• Refer: 2/12/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the opioid settlement fund, creating the opioid settlement future fund, establishing the opioid epidemic response advisory council, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

Impact

By establishing the opioid settlement future fund, the bill allows for a continuous flow of financial resources specifically dedicated to combating opioid addiction and related issues in the state. The future fund's capital, including interest and unencumbered moneys, will be exclusively used for initiatives aligned with opioid crisis intervention, such as treatment programs and public education campaigns. These allocations reflect a planned and systematic response to an issue that continues to affect the communities across Iowa profoundly.

Summary

House File 2427 addresses the ongoing opioid crisis in Iowa by establishing a structured approach to funding and oversight through the creation of the opioid settlement future fund and the opioid epidemic response advisory council. The bill mandates that half of the state portion of funds from national opioid settlements be allocated to an existing opioid settlement fund, while the other half is directed to a newly created future fund. This ensures ongoing financial support for initiatives aimed at abating opioid use and its associated problems. This change is intended to generate significant monetary resources over time, which can then be appropriated towards targeted programs.

Contention

One notable point within the legislative discourse surrounding HF2427 is the governance of the advisory council, which has been designed to ensure diverse representation from various stakeholders, including medical professionals, substance abuse treatment advocates, and individuals with lived experiences in recovery. The council is not only responsible for evaluating grant applications but also tasked with setting measurable outcomes for assessed projects. The bill includes provisions allowing for comprehensive assessments of funded programs' effectiveness, which could foster transparency and accountability, addressing concerns over how funds are utilized in the fight against the opioid epidemic.