The proposed legislation aims to enhance and expand behavioral health services in Washington State by imposing an opioid impact fee on manufacturers of prescription opioids. It establishes a new chapter in Title 69 RCW, defining key terms such as "impact fee," "opioid manufacturer," and "prescription opioid." The bill creates the Prescription Opioid Impact Account, where all fees collected from opioid manufacturers will be deposited. These funds are designated for outreach, treatment, and recovery support services for individuals facing behavioral health challenges, with a specific requirement that 50% of the funds be allocated to programs serving children, youth, and young adults. Additionally, the bill outlines penalties for manufacturers that fail to pay the impact fee on time and allows the attorney general to enforce compliance.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing law regarding the confidentiality of information submitted to the prescription monitoring program, ensuring that such data remains protected while allowing for specific disclosures to authorized entities. It also includes provisions for the department of health to adopt necessary rules for implementation and mandates the department of revenue to provide technical assistance. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and includes various new sections that establish the framework for the opioid impact fee and its intended use in supporting behavioral health initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70.225.040