Bill > HB395

This bill prohibits the state of Maryland from using state funds to purchase opioid overdose reversal drugs from companies that were involved in settlements related to the prescription opioid crisis, starting July 1, 2025. The bill defines an "opioid overdose reversal drug" according to existing state law and creates two specific exceptions to the prohibition: (1) companies that have agreed as part of a settlement executed on or before September 1, 2024, to provide these drugs until their settlement terms are fulfilled, and (2) companies with existing state contracts to provide opioid overdose reversal drugs that were executed on or before June 30, 2025, until those contract terms are completed. Additionally, the bill specifies that any existing state contracts for these drugs cannot be renewed on or after July 1, 2025. The legislation also includes a provision ensuring that no presently existing obligation or contract right will be impaired by this Act, and it is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The bill appears to be part of a broader effort to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in the opioid epidemic by restricting their future participation in state drug procurement.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0395?ys=2025RS