Reforms the opioid settlement board to provide services and supports to grieving families and include board members who lost a child, sibling, parent or close family member to substance use disorder.
Impact
The legislation emphasizes equitable funding distribution across various agencies to support programs designed for culturally and gender-competent care. It mandates that at least fifty percent of all appropriated funds be directed toward harm reduction initiatives. Furthermore, recipients of these funds will be required to provide detailed accounts of how the money is used, ensuring transparency and accountability in the expenditure of state funds. This shift in management aims to stabilize and clarify the use of the opioid settlement funds while addressing the growing needs for community-level assistance in tackling substance use issues.
Summary
Bill A11184 introduces significant reforms to the management of the opioid settlement fund within New York's mental hygiene law. Aimed at enhancing services for individuals impacted by substance use disorders, including their families, the bill obligates the state to allocate funding specifically for programs that address the needs of those grieving or supporting loved ones dealing with such disorders. This includes provisions for grief counseling and trauma support, which are critical given the devastating effects of the opioid crisis on families across the state.
Contention
While the bill addresses vital funding needs and accountability measures, it may face contention regarding the specifics of fund distribution and the effectiveness of the proposed programs. Critics may express concerns about bureaucratic inefficiencies or whether the allocation of resources effectively meets the needs of communities most affected by the opioid epidemic. Furthermore, the requirement for regular reporting and oversight by an independent monitor could lead to debates about the costs and administrative burdens versus the potential benefits of increased oversight.
Provides for including siblings of parents and children of siblings in the definition of "family member" in relation to regulations pertaining to rights of family members to succeed in certain cases to the rights of certain tenants.
Requires the report on statewide opioid settlements include the amount of funds that have been spent and requires the public be provided information on how much funds have been spent.
Authorizes the issuance of "Blue Star Mother" and "Blue Star Family" distinctive license plates for parents and family members of active duty service members; establishes the "blue star mothers and families support fund".
Includes interest earned on the monies obtained by the state through the statewide opioid settlement agreement, in the opioid settlement fund; requires any New York subdivision that receives funds pursuant to an opioid settlement agreement to spend interest earned on such funds on approved uses.
Includes interest earned on the monies obtained by the state through the statewide opioid settlement agreement, in the opioid settlement fund; requires any New York subdivision that receives funds pursuant to an opioid settlement agreement to spend interest earned on such funds on approved uses.
Clarifies that certain provisions related to statewide opioid settlement agreements shall cover settlements and releases related to any entities involved in the prescription drug marketing, supply and payment chain that may have contributed to the opioid epidemic through illegal conduct.
Includes both the birth family and the foster family of children in foster care, and other families receiving child welfare services from the authorized agency or the local departments of social services in the case of authorized agencies in the definition of family for purposes of services provided by voluntary foster care agency health facilities.
Includes both the birth family and the foster family of children in foster care, and other families receiving child welfare services from the authorized agency or the local departments of social services in the case of authorized agencies in the definition of family for purposes of services provided by voluntary foster care agency health facilities.
Directs the commissioner of veterans' services to establish a registry of self-identifying service members, veterans and family members of such individuals who may have experienced exposure to a hazardous substance at a military installation and to establish and maintain a public information program in order to educate and inform service members, veterans, and their families.