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Public Health Committee advances overdose prevention center pilot bill after hours of testimony
Summary
The committee approved Senate Bill 1285 to create a four‑site overdose prevention center pilot program, advancing it to the floor for further action. Lawmakers and advocates debated details including funding, regulation, age limits and links to treatment.
The Public Health Committee advanced Senate Bill 1285 on a motion by Senator Anwar, seconded by Representative Jenga, moving the measure to the floor for further consideration.
The bill would permit the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and the Department of Public Health (DPH) to create an overdose prevention center (OPC) pilot in up to four Connecticut municipalities, subject to the approval of the local chief elected official. The legislation authorizes an advisory committee chaired by the DMHAS commissioner, allows DMHAS to accept grants and donations for the pilot, and states that a certificate of need (CON) would not be required to open the pilot sites. The s-language in committee replaces mandatory language with permissive language and clarifies that no state funds are to be used for the pilot.
Committee proponents framed the bill as a public‑health intervention to reduce preventable overdose deaths. Senator Ammar (Senator) said Connecticut’s per‑capita overdose…
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