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Senate approves SB 261 to tighten reporting on opioid settlement spending
Summary
SB 261 adds reporting requirements to the state opioid settlement account, asking for breakdowns of administrative vs direct patient service spending and what portions go to treatment, recovery services and housing; sponsors called it a step toward transparency and it passed the Senate.
The Utah Senate passed SB 261, which amends reporting requirements for the state's opioid settlement proceeds. Senator Plumb, the sponsor, said the bill requires reporting of percentages that stay within the Department of Health and Human Services versus outside entities, and splits reporting between administrative/indirect costs and direct patient services or client services costs. The bill also asks recipients to report allocations to treatment, recovery services, housing and related categories.
Senator Plumb characterized the provision as a path toward transparency and noted it would help the Legislature and appropriation committees better evaluate how settlement dollars are used. Senator Vickers voiced support in floor remarks, noting prior negotiations over settlements and the need to ensure funds go to effective uses.
On the floor the chamber called the question and SB 261 received a roll call with 23 aye votes, 0 nay votes. The bill was read for a third time and advanced to the next step in the legislative process.
