(NASHVILLE) — While the federal government has only just commenced conversation about the opioid epidemic, Tennessee leads the way in fighting the situation here at home. This week, State Representative Bill Dunn (R-Knoxville) was chosen by House Majority Leader Glen Casada (R-Thompson’s Station) and Governor Bill Haslam to shepherd House Bill 1832 through the legislative process.
The goal of the bill, which is part of Haslam’s Tennessee Together proposal, is to combat the state’s opioid problem head on through the three major components of prevention, treatment, and law enforcement. The plan incorporates recommendations made by Speaker Beth Harwell’s Ad Hoc Task Force on Opioid Abuse.
In 2016, there were over 1,600 opioid-related overdose deaths, one of the highest in the nation, and statistics show the numbers are only increasing. Each day in Tennessee, at least three people die from opioid-related overdoses — more than the daily number of traffic fatalities.
Legislative solutions proposed by House Bill 1832 include updates to the state’s controlled substance schedules in order to better track, monitor, and penalize the use and unlawful distribution of dangerous and addictive drugs — including fentanyl. The bill also includes sentence reduction credits for prisoners who successfully complete intensive substance use disorder treatment programs while incarcerated.
“By solving the opioid epidemic, we ultimately save lives and taxpayer dollars,” said Representative Dunn. “I am honored the Governor has asked me to carry this important and much-needed legislation.”
Over the last five years, Representative Dunn has worked closely with the Metro Drug Coalition (MDC) in identifying substance abuse solutions and providing direction to the community. The MDC was established 31 years ago by a joint resolution of the City of Knoxville and Knox County to unite policymakers and leaders to address drug problems.
“The opioid epidemic is an issue that has impacted every single one of us,” continued Leader Casada. “This legislation is a significant step forward in taking an aggressive approach to both penalizing those who break the law while also helping those truly in need. I am proud to stand beside Representative Dunn as he shepherds this bill through the legislative process and am confident in his ability to get the job done.”
House Bill 1832 will first be heard in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee in the coming weeks. For the full text of the bill, visit http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/110/Bill/HB1832.pdf.
