Tennessee House Bill HJR0100

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/25
• Refer: 2/5/25
• Refer: 2/26/25
• Refer: 3/12/25
• Engrossed: 3/18/25

Caption

A RESOLUTION relative to overdose reversal initiatives.

Impact

The resolution calls on the Tennessee opioid abatement council to allocate at least 25% of expenditures from the opioid abatement fund towards initiatives that promote the distribution and awareness of overdose reversal medications. This initiative is critical as it aims to achieve a 25% reduction in overdose deaths in the state, responding directly to the alarming statistics surrounding opioid-related fatalities. By seeking to standardize how these funds are utilized, the resolution promotes a more focused strategy that directly aligns with public health needs.

Summary

HJR0100 is a resolution that emphasizes the importance of overdose reversal initiatives as a critical measure in addressing the ongoing opioid crisis in Tennessee. It acknowledges existing public and private efforts aimed at reversing overdoses while underscoring the complexity of addiction as a healthcare issue that necessitates increased resource allocation across various treatments. The resolution urges immediate action to save lives through enhanced access to overdose reversal medications, specifically highlighting the use of Narcan as a life-saving drug.

Contention

While HJR0100 seeks to make commendable strides in battling opioid overdoses, it may provoke discussions regarding the balance of resource allocation in the opioid abatement fund. Some stakeholders might argue over the effectiveness and prioritization of funding for overdose reversal initiatives versus other addiction treatment methodologies. This could ignite debates on whether resources should be distributed evenly across the spectrum of addiction treatment or more heavily weighted towards immediate life-saving measures, potentially impacting the overall strategy in tackling the state's opioid crisis.