Latta votes to pass fed opioid legislation

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) joined his colleagues Friday in passing legislation aimed at addressing the opioid epidemic. The bill, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act Conference Report, is a result of negotiations between the House and Senate to iron out differences between legislation each body previously passed to address the crisis. For detailed explanations of provisions included in the legislation, click here.

“We cannot wait any longer to address an epidemic that is ruining lives and tearing apart families,” said Latta. “This legislation includes a multipronged approach to the problem by taking steps to develop alternatives to opioids for effective pain management, as well as providing additional treatment options for those suffering from addiction. No community is immune from this crisis, and that’s why taking this action is so important.”

The legislation includes numerous provisions addressing the use and supply of opioids including authorizing grants to states to establish, implement, and improve state-based prescription drug monitoring programs. The bill also creates awareness campaigns to inform the public about the risks of opioid abuse, and includes provisions aimed at those suffering from addiction.

One provision authorizes the Department of Justice to award grants to local governments to carry out comprehensive opioid abuse response, including alternatives to incarceration, law enforcement training, and treatment to prevent overdose deaths.

Latta serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where many of the provisions included in the final legislation originated. Last week, he held a forum at the University of Findlay to bring local experts together to discuss the crisis and what more can be done. More than 300 people participated in the event, which included resource tables and an audience question and answer session.