On Monday, Sen. Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) 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.

“Too many families have already been ripped apart by opioid addiction,” said Sen. Chamberlain. “Opioid deaths and emergency room visits continue to rise, even though pilot programs have successfully reduced prescriptions and weaned addicts off drugs. It is time for a comprehensive solution to this problem before it gets any more out of hand.”

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 will be adjusted.

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.
• Money for increased law enforcement to Greater Minnesota to stop illicit drug trafficking.