An Act to save lives by distributing Narcan to individuals at risk for an opioid overdose

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Natalie Blais and 7 co-sponsors

MA correctional facilities must educate on opioid antagonists, share access info, and dispense at least two Naloxone doses to at-risk detainees on release.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means

Overview

H.2606 is a bill introduced on February 27, 2025 by Representative Mindy Domb. The measure would require correctional facilities in Massachusetts to provide education on opioid antagonists (narcan/naloxone), share information on how to access these medications in the community, and dispense at least two doses to each released detainee or prisoner who has a history of opioid use, has been diagnosed with opioid use disorder, or has experienced an opioid-related overdose. The provision aims to reduce overdose deaths by ensuring individuals exiting custody are equipped to respond to potential overdoses.

Key Provisions

Amends Section 17C of Chapter 127 of the General Laws (as of the 2022 edition) by adding a new requirement at the time of discharge from a state or county correctional facility.

For any detainee/prisoner who (i) has a history of opioid use, (ii) has been diagnosed with opioid use disorder, or (iii) has experienced an opioid-related overdose, the facility must:

Educate and instruct the individual on how to use opioid antagonists.
Provide information about where to access opioid antagonists in the community.
Dispense not less than two doses of an opioid antagonist to the individual or their legal guardian.

The commissioner of correction (and/or relevant agency) may promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement this section.

The term “opioid antagonist” refers to medications like naloxone (Narcan) used to reverse opioid overdoses.

Who Is Affected

State and county correctional facilities (as defined in Chapter 125, §1).

Detainees and prisoners discharged from custody who meet the specified risk criteria (history of opioid use, opioid use disorder, or prior opioid overdose).

Individuals or their legal guardians who receive the dispensed doses, and subsequently, community access to naloxone.

Implementation and Timeline

The bill is currently in committee with a favorable report and referred to the House Ways and Means Committee.

Related actions show hearings and potential rulemaking as part of implementation, contingent on passage.

If enacted, facilities would need to establish discharge protocols, patient education processes, and inventory/distribution systems for naloxone (at least two doses per affected individual).

Legislative Status and Related Information

Introduced: February 27, 2025.

Status: Reported favorably by committee and referred to House Ways and Means (as of the latest actions).

Original committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security; related to the Ways and Means referral upon favorable report.

Related Bill: HD 3401, labeled as replacing this measure in related discussions.

Potential Impact

Public health: Increases naloxone availability at critical transition points, potentially reducing fatal overdoses after release.

Individual support: Provides education and resources to reduce overdose risk and empower individuals to seek help and obtain naloxone in the community.

Operational: Requires correctional facilities to implement training, discharge planning, and naloxone dispensing processes, with rulemaking authority for proper implementation.

Bill