SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota House is prepared to vote Monday afternoon on HF 400, a bill aimed at ending the state’s opioid crisis. The legislation includes robust strategies for prevention, education, intervention, training, treatment and recovery.
The legislation creates an Opioid Stewardship Advisory Council to recommend initiatives to end the crisis which has led to staggering levels of addiction, overdoses, and other impacts in communities throughout the state. These initiatives will be funded by grants from a new Opioid Stewardship Fund, resources for which would come from fees paid by pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors.
Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls) issued the following statement:
“We’ve seen entirely too many lives lost due to the opioid crisis, and no more families should have to experience the pain and heartbreak that comes with consequences of addiction. The legislation we’re passing today makes sure our communities can access resources to help Minnesotans find a path to recovery, prevent overdoses, and save lives. The bill raises funds for this by holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in this crisis. I’m confident that this bill can give a sense of hope to families and communities impacted.”