Sen. Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing) today voted for a multi-faceted approach to combating the state’s ongoing opioid addiction crisis. The bill, which was approved on a bipartisan vote of 59-6, creates a new Opiate Epidemic Response Account, funded by $20 million in fees collected from pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors.

“The Opioid crisis is a real threat that should concern all citizens of Minnesota,” said Sen. Goggin. “We in the Legislature have heard countless stories of families torn apart and lives lost due to addiction. I believe it’s our job to step in and set parameters for pharmaceutical companies that will curb the already devastating effects of over-prescription and unawareness. With this bill, our state has the opportunity to be exemplary in the face of disaster.”

To determine if the fees on distributors and manufacturers will remain in place beyond July 1, 2023, the legislature will review the fees, assess how those fees are impacting access to opioids, and the state of the opioid crisis. Additionally, if Minnesota prevails or settles the ongoing national lawsuit against opioid manufacturers for $20 million or more, the fees on manufacturers would be automatically reduced to a smaller rate.

Highlights of the legislation include:

• Significant funding for county-administered social services to help kids who have been subjected to child abuse or neglect due to parental addiction.
• Stronger restrictions on opiate prescriptions and refills.
• Prescription monitoring program to prevent overprescribing and “doctor shopping.”
• Public awareness, prevention, and education programs.
• Statewide access to effective treatment and recovery services.
• Continuing education for opioid prescribers.
• Research and development of evidence-based treatment programs.
• Stronger reporting by pharmaceutical companies.