Bill > S620

This bill, known as the STRONG Act of 2025, introduces a comprehensive approach to addressing the opioid crisis in North Carolina by implementing several key strategies. The legislation increases criminal penalties for drug trafficking, particularly for offenses involving fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, with enhanced punishments for trafficking near schools and public spaces, including longer prison sentences and higher fines. The bill establishes a State and Federal Drug Interdiction Task Force to improve collaboration between state and federal law enforcement agencies, and mandates opioid detection training for all law enforcement officers. It expands the Controlled Substances Reporting System to track additional substances like xylazine and nitazenes, and appropriates $35 million for opioid use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery services, including public awareness campaigns, medication-assisted treatment programs, and support for rural communities. Additionally, the bill creates a tax credit of $2,500 per eligible employee for businesses that hire individuals who have successfully completed substance use disorder counseling, with a maximum annual credit of $50,000 per business. The legislation aims to comprehensively address the state's opioid crisis through a multifaceted approach involving law enforcement, healthcare, and economic incentives.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S620