Bill > HB1130

This bill brings forward Section 27-103-305 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, which establishes the Opioid Settlement Fund, a special fund in the state treasury designed to receive and manage funds from opioid-related litigation settlements. The fund will specifically collect monies received by the Attorney General from settlements with major pharmaceutical distributors (Cardinal Health, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen), manufacturers (Janssen Pharmaceuticals/Johnson & Johnson, Allergan, and Teva), and pharmacy chains (CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart). The legislation stipulates that these funds can only be spent through legislative appropriation and must adhere to the specific requirements outlined in the opioid litigation settlements. Additionally, any unexpended amounts in the fund will not be returned to the State General Fund at the end of each fiscal year, and any interest or investment earnings generated by the fund will be reinvested back into the Opioid Settlement Fund. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, providing a clear timeline for its implementation.