STATEHOUSE (April 10, 2017) — Legislation authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Centerville) to establish an opioid abuse treatment program is now headed to the governor for final consideration.
Senate Enrolled Act 499, which establishes a three-year opioid abuse treatment pilot program in Tippecanoe, Marion and Wayne counties, recently passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 94-0 and the Senate 49-0.
Under this legislation, opioid abusers who are at serious risk of death or injury due to their addiction could be involuntarily committed to an appropriate facility.
SEA 499 also states that if a person was charged or convicted of a drug offense and received an overdose-intervention drug for an acute opioid overdose, they have priority admission in a variety of diversion programs offering treatment for those with addictive disorders.
“Senate Enrolled Act 499 is a step in the right direction to help people who abuse opioids overcome their addiction,” Raatz said. “I believe this bill will have significant, positive impacts on those who are struggling with addiction.”
SEA 499 will now go to Gov. Eric Holcomb for final consideration. To view the bill, click here.
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A high-resolution photo of Raatz is available by clicking here.
