Bill
HD 3401
Requires state/county jails to educate at discharge on opioid antagonists, share access info, and dispense at least 2 naloxone doses to each eligible detainee or prisoner.
Status: Proposed bill (status not specified in the provided materials)
Introduction and purpose
- This bill aims to reduce opioid overdose deaths by ensuring that individuals exiting state or county correctional facilities who are at risk for opioid use or overdose receive education, information about access to opioid antagonists (naloxone, e.g., Narcan), and a supply of naloxone upon discharge.
- It places a specific focus on helping recently released detainees or prisoners who have a history of opioid use, have been diagnosed with opioid use disorder, or have experienced an opioid-related overdose.
Key provisions
- Legislative change: Amends Section 17C of Chapter 127 of the General Laws (as of the 2022 edition) to add a new requirement for correctional facilities.
- Discharge requirements for facilities: Upon discharge, a state or county correctional facility must:
- Educate and instruct the individual on the use of opioid antagonists.
- Provide information about where the individual can access opioid antagonists in the community.
- Dispense not less than 2 doses of an opioid antagonist to the individual or their legal guardian.
- Scope of facilities: Applies to state and county correctional facilities as defined in Chapter 125.
- Regulatory authority: The commissioner may promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the new requirements.
Who is affected
- Detainees and prisoners leaving state or county correctional facilities who have:
- A history of using opioids,
- Been diagnosed with opioid use disorder, or
- Experienced an opioid-related overdose.
- Correctional facilities and their staff, which must provide education, information, and naloxone doses, and ensure appropriate discharge planning.
Implementation considerations
- Practical effects: Requires facilities to stock and dispense at least two naloxone doses at discharge, and to provide education and community access information.
- Administration: Likely entails staff training, coordination with community-based naloxone providers, and potential budgeting for naloxone supplies.
- Regulatory pathway: Enables the commissioner to issue rules/regulations to operationalize these discharge procedures.
Notes on context and timing
- The bill is introduced in the 2025-2026 General Court session as House Bill 3401 (HD 3401) and is sponsored by Representative Mindy Domb (Amherst).
- The material provided lists the bill as a proposed measure; current status in the legislative process is not specified.
Overall impact
- If enacted, the bill would standardize discharge procedures to ensure immediate access to naloxone for at-risk individuals, coupled with education on overdose response and information about ongoing access to opioid antagonists in the community. The goal is to reduce post-release overdose deaths and support transition back into the community with practical overdose-prevention resources.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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