Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-568-R1

Redraft EHS 568

Drink Spiking Tests Bulk Purchase Program and Awareness Campaign

Messrs. Feeney and O'Connor, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Moore, Ms. Creem and Mr. Timilty moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1136, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for the department of public health’s division of sexual and domestic violence prevention and services, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, to develop, research and recommend evidence-based and evidence-informed prevention strategies to address the rising incidence of reported drink spiking in the commonwealth; provided further, that funds may be expended for the bulk purchase of drink spiking test kits to be distributed at bars, restaurants and nightlife establishments in the commonwealth; provided further, that not later than December 29, 2023, the department shall submit a report to the joint committee on public health and the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing: (i) recommendations for eligible, research-based drink spiking prevention tools, including, but not limited to, drink spiking test kits; (ii) an examination of how prevention tools can be distributed in an effective manner to individuals and vulnerable populations, including, but not limited to, distribution directly to bars, restaurants and nightlife establishments; and (iii) other considerations the department may deem relevant for an evidence-based or evidence-informed public health response to drink spiking incidents in the commonwealth; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for the department of public health’s division of sexual and domestic violence prevention and services to develop and launch a strategic and comprehensive public awareness campaign to inform the public about the prevalence and danger of involuntary drink spiking through the department’s website, digital and social media, traditional media and other media; provided further, that the department may partner with relevant advocacy organizations, employers, boards of health, institutions of higher education and community groups to ensure that the campaign reaches populations deemed most at risk of being targeted for drink spiking and includes evidence-based, evidence-informed and culturally-relevant response and safety tips for patrons at bars, restaurants and nightlife establishments”; and by striking out the figure “$71,211,757” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$71,511,757”.