North Dakota House Bill HB1447

North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Report Pass: 2/21/23
• Engrossed: 3/3/23
• Refer: 3/3/23
• Report Pass: 3/16/23
• Refer: 3/17/23
• Report Pass: 4/5/23
• Enrolled: 4/27/23
• Passed: 4/29/23

Caption

Funds under management of the state investment board, opioid antagonist prescription, distribution, possession, or use, and the funding of the opioid treatment and prevention program; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide for application; and to declare an emergency.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1447 will impact the management of financial resources related to opioid litigation, enabling the state and local subdivisions to collaborate more effectively in addressing the opioid epidemic. The bill outlines how funds can be utilized, including specific allocations such as a minimum of 20% for opioid use prevention and overdose prevention. This funding strategy not only provides resources for immediate treatment programs but also supports long-term educational and preventive measures against addiction.

Summary

House Bill 1447 introduces a framework for managing opioid settlement funds in North Dakota, establishing the Opioid Settlement Fund and creating the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee. This bill aims to allocate funds received from opioid litigation towards remediation and abatement efforts associated with the opioid crisis. It emphasizes the importance of utilizing these funds effectively to support public health initiatives and opioid addiction treatment programs while ensuring accountability through legislative appropriation.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1447 appears to be largely supportive among lawmakers, given its unanimous approval in both chambers of the legislature. Proponents of the bill view it as a crucial step towards combating the opioid crisis, acknowledging the need for organized funding and strategic implementation of programs designed to alleviate the impacts of addiction on communities. The absence of dissent in voting indicates a general consensus on the bill’s significance and urgency.

Contention

While there do not seem to be significant points of contention regarding the intent of HB 1447, there may be discussions surrounding the distribution and oversight of the funds once allocated. Concerns regarding how effectively the advisory committee can prioritize and manage the programs funded by the settlement may arise, especially considering the diverse needs of various communities affected by the opioid crisis. Effective collaboration among stakeholders will be essential for the bill's success.