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SD 914

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jamie Eldridge and 2 co-sponsors

At discharge, correctional facilities must educate about opioid antagonists and provide at least two naloxone doses to at-risk individuals or their guardians.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 914

Summary of Bill SD 914: An Act to save lives by distributing narcan to individuals at risk for an overdose

Overview

SD 914 is a proposed Massachusetts bill that would require correctional facilities to provide education on opioid antagonists (such as naloxone, commonly known as Narcan), share information on how to access these medications in the community, and dispense at least two doses to individuals at risk of opioid overdose upon discharge. The measure targets detainees or prisoners with a history of opioid use, diagnosed opioid use disorder, or who have experienced an opioid-related overdose. The plan authorizes the commissioner to promulgate rules necessary to implement the requirements.

What the bill would do

  • Amend Section 17C of Chapter 127 of the General Laws by adding a discharge-day program in correctional facilities.
  • At the time of discharge, a state or county correctional facility must:
    • Educate the individual on the use of opioid antagonists (e.g., naloxone).
    • Provide information about where to access opioid antagonists in the community.
    • Dispense not fewer than two doses of an opioid antagonist to the individual or their legal guardian.
  • The commissioner may promulgate rules and regulations to implement these provisions.

Key provisions and terminology

  • Target population: Detainees or prisoners with (i) a history of opioid use, (ii) a diagnosis of opioid use disorder, or (iii) an opioid-related overdose.
  • Substance: The term “opioid antagonists” includes naloxone (Narcan) and related medications.
  • Implementation: The bill directs educational and dispensing actions at discharge, embedding overdose prevention directly in the transition from incarceration to community settings.
  • Authority: The commissioner of corrections (or relevant authority) would have rulemaking power to implement the section.

Who is affected

  • State and county correctional facilities in Massachusetts.
  • Detainees and prisoners who meet the risk criteria at the time of discharge.
  • Detainees’ or prisoners’ legal guardians if the individual is discharged to a guardian.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative actions: Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security on February 27, 2025; House concurred on February 27, 2025.
  • Legal framework: Incorporates the amendment as an addition to existing law (Chapter 127, Section 17C).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Public health: Aims to reduce overdose deaths by ensuring immediate access to naloxone upon reentry to the community.
  • Operational implications: Correctional facilities would need to stock naloxone, provide staff training, and establish discharge protocols.
  • Cost and logistics: Considerations include procurement costs, storage, and distribution to individuals or guardians.
  • Legal and regulatory: Rulemaking by the commissioner would establish detailed procedures, training standards, and monitoring.

This bill represents a targeted intervention to connect individuals transitioning from incarceration with overdose-reversal resources, potentially improving outcomes for a high-risk population.

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

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