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HB 5515

AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES' RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING ACCESS TO OPIOID OVERDOSE REVERSAL MEDICATION AND VARIOUS REVISIONS TO MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION STATUTES.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Saud Anwar and 9 co-sponsors

Connecticut directs its mental health department to recommend policies for expanding public access to opioid overdose reversal medication to reduce overdose deaths.

SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
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Bill Summary · HB 5515

Legislative bill overview

HB 5515 requires Connecticut's Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to develop and issue recommendations regarding access to opioid overdose reversal medication (naloxone/Narcan). The bill directs the department to study distribution methods, accessibility barriers, and best practices for making these life-saving medications more readily available to at-risk populations and the general public.

Why is this important

Opioid overdose deaths remain a significant public health crisis in Connecticut and nationwide. Naloxone is a proven, safe medication that reverses opioid overdoses within minutes, and wider access can directly reduce mortality rates. The bill seeks to establish evidence-based recommendations that could inform future policy, funding, and implementation of overdose prevention programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding responsibility: Determining who pays for widespread naloxone distribution (government, healthcare systems, pharmacies, individuals) and whether sufficient budget exists
  • Scope of access vs. regulation concerns: Balancing ease of public access against concerns about distribution oversight and ensuring appropriate use/storage
  • Implementation burden: Questions about whether recommendations will actually translate into funded programs or remain advisory without enforcement mechanisms

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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