The bill establishes the emergency opioid antagonists assistance grant fund within the state treasury, which will be administered by the attorney general. The fund is intended to provide financial assistance to law enforcement agencies for the procurement of emergency opioid antagonists. The bill specifies that on July 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, $500,000 will be transferred from the state general fund to this grant fund. Additionally, the attorney general is tasked with developing a grant program that prioritizes small law enforcement agencies and requires them to adopt a policy mandating the administration of emergency opioid antagonists to be eligible for funding.

The bill also amends existing definitions and protocols related to opioid antagonists. It clarifies the roles of first responders, including law enforcement officers and school nurses, in possessing and administering emergency opioid antagonists. Furthermore, it provides legal protections for healthcare providers, pharmacists, and first responders who prescribe, dispense, or administer these medications in good faith. Notably, the bill removes previous language that exempted law enforcement agencies from certain requirements unless they choose to provide emergency opioid antagonists under the established protocol. The state board of pharmacy is directed to create necessary regulations to implement these provisions.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 65-16
As Amended by House Committee: 65-16
As Further Amended by House Committee: 65-16