Substitute House Bill No. 6914, Public Act No. 23-92, is a legislative act that addresses the allocation and use of funds from tobacco and opioid settlements. The bill directs funds from the State of Connecticut v. JUUL Labs, Inc. settlement to be used for programs aimed at reducing nicotine use among residents under twenty-one years of age, managed by the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services. It also amends the general statutes to create an Opioid Settlement Fund, which will receive any money from opioid-related judgments or settlements. Municipalities receiving settlement funds must report their expenditures annually. The bill specifies that funds are to be used for prospective substance use disorder abatement purposes and not for reimbursing past expenditures. It also mandates that such funds must be supplemental and not replace other funding sources.

The bill revises the objectives of the Tobacco and Health Trust Fund to focus on reducing tobacco and nicotine use through various evidence-based interventions and expands the types of products covered by the fund. It outlines the administration of the fund by a board of trustees, including the appointment and terms of trustees, and sets procedures for the disbursement of funds. In case of disagreement between General Assembly committees on disbursement recommendations, a committee on conference will resolve the issue. The bill also requires a biennial report from the board of trustees, including measurable outcomes and evaluation criteria. Additionally, the bill sets forth conditions for nonparticipating tobacco manufacturers, including the appointment of an agent for service of process in the state and the requirement to post a bond or other security annually to have their brand families listed in the state's directory. The bill was approved on June 27, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 4-28f
PH Joint Favorable Substitute: 4-28f
File No. 546: 4-28f
File No. 796: 4-28f, 4-28n
Public Act No. 23-92: 4-28f, 4-28n