MS HB848

Creates the Opioid Settlement Fund Committee consisting of 15 members including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, State Health Officer, and representatives from municipal leagues, sheriffs' associations, and other state entities to annually allocate opioid litigation settlement monies.

Committee may award grants from the Opioid Settlement Fund for drug education and prevention programs in schools, chemical dependency centers, drug court programs, University of Mississippi Medical Center, private hospitals for uninsured patients with chemical dependency or mental illness, and other compliant programs.

Attorney General must convene the committee within 6 months after passage and shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary for administration, application processes, and grant awards in compliance with settlement agreements.

Attorney General may remit electronic transfers of funds to the Opioid Settlement Fund and must provide an itemized financial report of all disbursements to the Legislature and State Auditor before January 5 each year.

Takes effect July 1, 2025; unexpended fund amounts do not lapse and interest earned remains in the fund.