Senate Bill 20-028 Summary

• Extends the opioid and other substance use disorders study committee through 2024, with meetings during 2021 and 2023 interim periods and updated reporting requirements to December 1, 2021 and 2023.

• Directs the committee to study the relationship between mental health conditions and substance use disorders during the 2021 interim and examine treatment modalities for co-occurring conditions.

• Requires the committee to study COVID-19's impact on prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services, including effects on the opioid crisis and drug overdoses.

• Modifies child welfare law to narrow the definition of substance exposure abuse and neglect by requiring that a newborn's health or welfare be threatened by substance use, with exceptions for prescribed or recommended medications monitored by healthcare providers.

• Appropriates $74,620 for the 2020-21 fiscal year to the Department of Human Services and Department of Law to provide legal services related to implementing the bill.