Amendment ID: S2543-4

Amendment 4

Public Awareness

Mr. Velis moves that the proposed new draft be amended by inserting the following section:-

“SECTION X.

(a) Notwithstanding any general or special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, there shall be a commission on drug contamination public awareness located within, but not subject to the control of, the executive office of health and human services. The commission shall work to review current public awareness programs related to drug contamination and the prevalence of fentanyl in our commonwealth, as well as current public awareness programs related to the importance, availability, and utilization of drug testing equipment. The commission shall put forth recommendations for how the commonwealth can expand public awareness on drug contamination and promote the utilization of drug testing equipment among residents.

(b) The commission shall consist of: the secretary of health and human services or a designee; the director of the bureau of substance addiction services or a designee; the senate and house chairs of the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery; the senate and house chairs of the joint committee on public health; the senate and house chairs of the joint committee on health care financing; 1 member appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives; 1 member appointed by the minority leader of the senate; and 5 members appointed by the governor, who shall have expertise in behavioral health promotion and education, issues of substance use disorders and addiction, drug testing equipment, or public awareness campaigns.

(c)The commission shall investigate, evaluate and make recommendations on items, including but not limited to: (i) examining current public awareness and education programs related to drug contamination and the prevalence of fentanyl throughout the commonwealth; (ii) examining current public awareness and education programs related to accessing and administering drug testing equipment; (iii) investigating current public awareness and education programs related to accessing and administering drug testing equipment; (iv) identifying current funding allocated to drug contamination and drug testing public awareness campaigns; (v) studying drug contamination and drug testing public awareness campaigns in other states; and (vi) exploring opportunities to expand and better integrate drug contamination and drug testing public awareness campaigns.

(d) Not later than January 1, 2024, the commission shall file a report of its findings, including any recommendations, with the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives, the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery, the joint committee on public health, the joint committee on health care financing, and the executive office of health and human services.”