The Minnesota State Senate overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation co-authored by Senator Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake) to combat Minnesota’s ongoing opioid addiction crisis. The legislation targets the epidemic through a multi-faceted approach, touching every level of the legal opiate distribution chain and creating a new Opiate Epidemic Response Account that will invest in innovative treatment and social service programs, improve public awareness, and apply stronger rules to prescriptions and refills.

“Communities across our state have seen the devastating effects of the opioid crisis,” said Senator Draheim, who served on the bipartisan conference committee that developed the legislation. “Importantly, this bill targets resources directly to our local counties to help implement programs that aid families and individuals struggling with opioid addiction. By preserving local control and allocating resources to programs in our communities, we hope to impact the lives of those who need help most.”

After passing the Senate and House of Representatives, the bill now heads to the governor for his signature.