IL HR0296

Urges the Illinois General Assembly to create an Opioid Settlement Fund as a special fund in the State Treasury to receive all opioid-related settlement funds from lawsuits against opioid manufacturers, distributors, and retailers

Settlement funds would be dedicated to expanding access to opioid use disorder treatment, funding safety net substance use treatment providers, and maximizing federal matching fund opportunities

Recommends at least $100,000 annually be granted to the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association to cover application and testing fees for substance use and mental health service professionals

Defines "safety net substance use treatment providers" as licensed, nationally accredited facilities operating 24 hours per day, providing medication-assisted treatment, and serving a higher proportion of Medicaid beneficiaries and uninsured individuals

Cites Illinois opioid crisis statistics: 2,151 opioid deaths in first three quarters of 2020 (36% increase from 2019), 74,000 residents with opioid use disorder, and $41 billion in annual economic and social costs to the state