Mississippi House Bill HB1130

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/25
• Refer: 1/20/25
• Failed: 2/4/25

Caption

Opioid Settlement Fund; bring forward section creating.

Impact

The establishment of the Opioid Settlement Fund allows for a targeted financial response to the opioid crisis in Mississippi. Monies received from settlements will be deposited into this dedicated fund, ensuring that the specific needs arising from opioid-related challenges can be addressed adequately. The unexpended amounts in the fund will not lapse into the State General Fund at the end of the fiscal year, allowing for a more sustained funding approach to combat opioid-related issues over time. The act emphasizes long-term accountability and proper allocation of funds towards effective remediation efforts.

Summary

House Bill 1130 seeks to enhance the existing Opioid Settlement Fund by bringing forward Section 27-103-305 of the Mississippi Code of 1972. The bill's primary purpose is to facilitate possible amendments to the management and utilization of funds generated from substantial opioid litigation settlements. These settlements involve major distributors, manufacturers, and pharmacy chains that have been implicated in the opioid crisis. By formalizing the Opioid Settlement Fund, the bill aims to clarify how funds can be appropriated and used in alignment with settlement requirements.

Contention

Although detailed discussions surrounding HB1130 were not captured in the text, it is likely that any amendments or proposed changes to the fund's management could spark debate among lawmakers. Notable points of contention may include how strictly the funds should be used in relation to the opioid crisis, potential oversight of the fund's expenditures, and whether the appropriation of these resources fully addresses the needs of communities affected by opioid addiction. As with many legislative actions linked to sensitive public health issues, differing viewpoints may emerge on the effectiveness and scope of the proposed fund.