Virginia House Bill HB1799

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/23
• Refer: 1/10/23

Caption

Opioid Abatement Authority; increases membership.

Impact

The changes proposed in HB1799 will have implications for the structure and operation of the Opioid Abatement Authority, which plays a crucial role in coordinating resources and strategies to address opioid addiction. By increasing the membership of the board, the bill may facilitate broader input from diverse community services, behavioral health authorities, and local governments. This shift aims to improve the authority’s capacity to tackle the complexities of opioid addiction prevention and treatment.

Summary

House Bill 1799 aims to amend the governance structure of the Opioid Abatement Authority by increasing the membership of its board of directors from 11 to 13 members. This bill is seen as a response to the ongoing opioid crisis and seeks to ensure that various stakeholders have a voice in decision-making processes related to opioid use disorders and substance recovery efforts. The expansion of the board reflects a commitment to enhance collaboration among different sectors involved in combating this public health issue.

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding the bill may include debates over the composition of the board and the qualifications of new appointees. Stakeholders might express differing opinions on who should be represented on the board and the expertise required for members, especially regarding addiction and recovery. Ensuring a balanced representation from both urban and rural areas might also become a focal point of contention, as it relates to the equitable allocation of resources and strategies across regions affected by opioid addiction.