Resolved, That a special legislative commission, pursuant to section 2A of chapter 4 of the General Laws is hereby established to: (i) identify successful substance misuse treatment options that extend beyond medical detox and that have proven through data to lead to long term recovery;  (ii) provide a list of treatment options based on proven success through data in promoting long term recovery; (iii) identify monetary costs of treatment options; and (iv) make recommendations for focusing state resources for treatment on treatments that have the best outcomes for those suffering from substance misuse disorder.

The commission shall consist of the following 17 members: 2 of whom shall be the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery, who shall serve as co-chairs of the commission; 2 members of the house of representatives, to be appointed by the speaker of the house; 2 members of the senate, to be appointed by the president of the senate; 2 members to be appointed by the attorney general; 2 members to be appointed by the commissioner of public health; and 7 members to be appointed by  the governor; 5 of whom shall work as professors at a college in the commonwealth with a focus on studying substance misuse, and 2 of whom shall work in the substance misuse treatment field.

All appointments shall be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this resolve. The co-chairs shall convene the first meeting of the special commission within 45 days of all appointments being made.

The commission shall meet a minimum of 4 times to review, study and analyze existing scientific literature and data on substance misuse treatment and which methods have the lowest recidivism rates and the highest success rates. The commission shall: (i) address current scientific literature on substance misuse treatment; and (ii) create a list of treatment options that accounts for the effectiveness and the cost of the treatment.

The commission shall submit its findings, along with recommendations for legislation, to the governor and the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate no later than 1 year after the effective date of this resolve.