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House passes outreach bill to inform pregnant women about substance‑use treatment and legal protections
Summary
House Bill 38, amended to place program responsibility with the Department of Health, passed the House after sponsors said printed materials and agency training would inform pregnant women about treatment options and legal protections that can provide an affirmative defense.
Representative Menlove moved an amendment to House Bill 38 to clarify that responsibility for the education program would rest with the Department of Health. Menlove and backers said the bill is designed to educate pregnant women about treatment resources and legal protections that may provide an affirmative defense if they seek assistance.
Sponsor testimony described planned printed materials for distribution in doctors’ offices, WIC sites, pregnancy hotlines and county health agencies, and agency staff training through coordinating organizations (cited as "You Save"/coordinating council for substance abuse and violence prevention). Members asked whether the program is limited to printed materials or would include staff training; the sponsor said both printing and targeted training through partner agencies are expected.
Representative Volk emphasized the public‑health rationale, saying the priority should be a healthy birth and that women might avoid medical care if legal consequences are feared. The House approved the amendment and passed HB 38 as amended (73 yes, 0 no, 2 absent); the bill will go to the Senate for further consideration.
Next steps: If taken up in the Senate and signed, the Department of Health will implement the outreach program, define training protocols with partner agencies and manage matching funds noted in sponsor testimony.
