Bill > SCR22

This concurrent resolution requests the legislative auditor to prepare and submit a detailed report by December 31, 2026, to the Senate and House health and welfare committees regarding how funds received from nationwide opioid settlements are being spent. These settlement funds, totaling approximately $600 million for Louisiana between 2022 and 2038, are intended for opioid abatement strategies, meaning efforts to reduce the harm caused by the opioid epidemic. The report will include information on the total funds received, amounts distributed to each parish and sheriff's office, itemized expenditures, the purpose and classification of these spending, the legal basis for classifying spending as "treatment" or "abatement" (actions to reduce the negative impacts of the opioid crisis), any outcome or performance metrics for each expenditure, recipient compliance status, unspent balances and future allocations, administrative costs, and any identified barriers to reporting, oversight, or timely spending of these funds. This request stems from previous findings that local governments face challenges in effectively using these funds due to a lack of clarity on approved uses, community needs, staffing, and expertise. The resolution also directs that copies of this request be sent to the legislative auditor, the Louisiana Opioid Abatement Task Force (the advisory body overseeing these funds), and the Louisiana Opioid Abatement Administration Corporation (responsible for administrative tasks).

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=26rs&b=SCR22&sbi=y