MD lawmakers tackle opioid crisis with three new bills

Maryland's General Assembly is tackling the opioid epidemic as the House passed three new bills focused on the issue.

The legislation plans to combat the epidemic by increasing treatment access, prevention efforts, and public awareness and education.

One bill, HB1329, would establish a 24/7 health crisis hotline, plus a network of crisis treatment centers for substance use disorders.

While another, HB1082, would require public schools to provide education programs on drug use while also training personnel to respond to an opioid overdose.

The final bill, HB869, would require the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to make a list of licensed recovery residences in each county and place it on their website.

These measures now await a final approval through the General Assembly before heading to the Governor's desk.