Appropriations Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-5435
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE ON SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER
SERVICES AND THE EXPENDITURE OF OPIOID LITIGATION SETTLEMENT
Title: FUNDS.
Vote Date: 4/7/2022
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 3/25/2022
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Appropriations Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
House Bill 5435 establishes a task force to study substance use disorder (SUD) programs
and services and to make recommendations concerning the expenditure of opioid litigation
settlement funds. The task force will examine the state's drug abuse programs and services
and offer suggestions on how the opioid settlement funds should be used. The task team will
look at concerns while examining such programs and services. For example, adequate
treatment and rehabilitation programs for those with drug use disorders are today accessible
and required (s). This legislation also covers the regulation and operation of institutions that
provide assistance to people with substance use disorders, such as opioid treatment
dispensaries (s). As well as the state's existing spending on drug addiction programs and
services, as well as the expected money needed to provide successful substance abuse
programs and services.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Nancy Navarretta, Commissioner Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
DMHAS supports this initiative and has been proactive in combating the opioid crisis, which
has tragically persisted for years and has been aggravated by the pandemic's isolation and
lack of treatment options. The proceeds from the opioid settlement can be used to augment
several evidence-based initiatives focused at preventing and treating opioid addiction, as well
as aiding persons in recovery. The funding will also be utilized to launch new initiatives. The
$26 billion worldwide settlement with Johnson & Johnson and distributors will increase
funding for substance misuse treatments for Connecticut residents by more than 10% over
the next 18 years.
Commissioner Deidre S. Gifford, Department of Social Services:
The Department of Social Services submitted testimony in opposition to the bill. DSS
advised that House Bill 5044, An Act Implementing the Governor's Budget Recommendations
Regarding the Use of Opioid Litigation Proceeds, is a better fit for the opioid settlement issue.
The department believes that HB 5044, which creates an Opioid Settlement Advisory
Committee, has a similar objective and intent as this measure, but also incorporates the
restrictions imposed by the Attorney General's recent settlement agreement.
Jeffrey Beckham, Acting Secretary Office of Policy and Management
While Mr. Beckham and the Office of Policy Management support the establishment of a
process to oversee funding received as a result of negotiated settlements with
pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors related to the opioid epidemic, they
respectfully request that the committee consider House Bill 5044. An Act Implementing the
Governor's Budget Recommendations Regarding the Use of Opioid Litigation Proceeds. The
Governor's bill is based on model legislation and was carefully constructed to conform to the
settlement terms. It was created in close coordination with the Attorney General's Office.
is opposition to this bill. Mr. Beckham explained that no local participation is included in
House Bill 5435. Furthermore, he strongly feels that the deadlines set forth in House Bill 5436
would be impossible to meet, since they require the Secretary of the Office of Policy and
Management to submit a plan to the legislative committees of cognizance 10 days after
receiving any settlement cash. The negotiated settlement agreements call for the creation of
an Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee with a diverse spectrum of stakeholders and a
public input process that could not be completed within the bill's timeframes.
Sarah Healy Eagan, Child Advocate, Office of the Child Advocate
The Office of the Child Advocate offered recommendations in regard to how the structure
outlined in the bill and the anticipated dollars can benefit children. Ms. Eagan explained how
children are affected by the opioid epidemic in a multitude of ways and how this bill can help
lower that statistic. She offered that the framework for the settlement fund distribution should
specifically address the needs of substance-exposed infants, children impacted by parental
substance use disorder, children whose parents have died as a result of opioid overdose, and
the need for investment in "two generational" services that can help parents and guardians
access treatment. Ms. Eagan suggested that the Office of the Child Advocate be included in
the membership of the task force, as the OCA would be able to provide crucial statistics and
advocacy on behalf of children affected by the opioid crisis.
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NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Luke A. Bronin, Mayor, City of Hartford - Mayor Bronin proposed that any legislation
aimed at determining the best use of the Opioid Litigation Settlement Funds include municipal
leadership and representation. He offered that the costs and repercussions of the opioid
crisis are felt most immediately at the local level, and initiatives to minimize opioid overdoses
are frequently organized at the local level. As a result, he believes that it is both acceptable
and critical for municipal officials to take a prominent role in the development of a settlement
money allocation plan.
Steven Zuckerman Chief Executive Officer, Root Center for Advanced Recovery
(RCAR)
Mr. Zuckerman testified that RCAR is in favor of the purposes of both HB5435 and HB5436,
which aim to guarantee that opioid litigation settlement money is properly supervised. Mr.
Zuckerman expressed support for ensuring that the money is used for opioid treatment and
recovery, as well as looking into using some of the funds for new programs and treatment
innovation. He stated that the state should be prepared to subsidize new treatment models
when they are created, as so many people with addiction problems and little means are being
left behind by the existing system.. Mr. Zuckerman encouraged the committee to take a more
complete look at the opioid treatment and recovery system as the legislation moves forward,
and to ensure that additional programs, such as residential treatment, be implemented. He
added that opioid problem is still wreaking devastation on families and communities, and the
state should not miss out on the chance to properly use these monies.
Gian-Carl Casa, President & CEO, The Alliance
Mr. Casa testified in support of the establishment of the task force. He spoke of the
importance of decision makers having input from behavioral health professionals and from
people who have lived with addiction and recovery.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
David Godbout Mr. Godbout voiced opposition to the bill, as he believes that all bills
considered during the 2022 session are illegitimate, due to committees meeting via electronic
means as opposed to in-person. He stated that this violates the fourth amendment rights of
CT citizens.
Reported by: Taylor Williams Date: 4/14/22
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