BILL NUMBER: S6757
SPONSOR: FERNANDEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to statewide opioid
settlement agreements
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To clarify that the opioid settlement agreement must include settlements
and releases related to any entities involved in the prescription drug
marketing, supply and payment chain that may have contributed to the
opioid epidemic through their illegal conduct.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends subdivision (a) to clarify language to include within
the settlement agreement all parties resolving claims regarding their
opioid production conduct.
Section 2 amends subdivision (d) to clarify language to include parties
involved in a statewide opioid settlement agreement.
Section 3 sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
When New York State started bringing lawsuits against opioid manufactur-
ers and distributors for their role in the opioid crisis, the goal was
to use the funds secured to help those who were harmed by the overdose
epidemic. To date, over $3 billion in settlements have been directed
towards New York communities for treatment, recovery, and prevention
efforts. However, technical language in new settlements has led to
confusion over where the funds will go. This bill clarifies that all
funds received from settlements from opioid manufacturers and distribu-
tors is to go towards efforts to combat the overdose epidemic and aid
those who have been impacted by substance use disorders.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S6757: 25.18 mental hygiene law