An Act establishing a special commission to study the prevention of heroin trafficking

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Patrick O'Connor

Creates a time-bound Massachusetts commission to study heroin trafficking and deliver concrete preventive actions, including proposed laws and policing strategies.

House concurred

Overview

Purpose: Establish a special commission to study heroin trafficking into and within Massachusetts and to develop actionable recommendations to prevent future trafficking, including legislative and policing strategies.

Status: House concurred (02/27/2025); referred to the committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Introduced: February 27, 2025

Context: Similar matter previously filed in 2023-2024 (Senate No. 1264)

Key Provisions

Establishment of a Special Commission

A dedicated body to study heroin trafficking in the Commonwealth and to propose preventive actions.
Purpose includes development of recommendations on legislative changes and policing approaches.

Membership and Appointments

Secretary of Health and Human Services (or their designee) is a member.
Governor appoints three members, including:
One police officer specializing in opiates
One stakeholder from a retail pharmacy company
One member of the general citizenry impacted by the opiate epidemic
Legislative representation includes:
Two members from the House of Representatives (one appointed by the Speaker, one by the minority leader)
Two members from the Senate (one appointed by the President, one by the minority leader)
Director of the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (or their designee) is a member.
The bill notes “Notwithstanding any special or general law” to establish the commission.

Initial and Final Timelines

First meeting: No later than December 1, 2025.
Deliverables: Recommendations with drafts of any proposed legislation due to the clerks of the House and Senate and the chairs of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse no later than December 1, 2026.

What the Bill Would Change or Create

Creates a structured, time-bound advisory body to assess heroin trafficking and propose concrete preventive measures.

Encourages collaboration among law enforcement, public health officials, the pharmacy sector, affected communities, and legislators.

Potentially leads to new or amended legislation and policing strategies aimed at reducing heroin trafficking.

Who is Affected

Law enforcement (via the police officer representative and potential policing recommendations)

Public health and substance use services (via the Secretary of Health & Human Services and the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services)

Retail pharmacies and their stakeholders

Individuals and communities directly impacted by the opiate epidemic

Massachusetts lawmakers (House and Senate) who would consider the commission’s draft legislation

Procedural and Timeline Notes

The commission’s existence is contingent on passage as part of this act; once established, it operates under the stated deadlines.

The commission’s final report and any drafted legislation are due to the clerks and the chairs of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse by December 1, 2026.

Bottom Line

SD 2315 creates a multidisciplinary, time-bound commission to study and recommend concrete actions to prevent heroin trafficking in Massachusetts, with a focus on both legislative and policing strategies. It enlists diverse membership, sets clear deadlines, and directs the generation of legislative drafts to inform future policy.

Bill