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SB 589

Opioid Restitution Fund - Interactive Dashboard

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Malcolm Augustine

Maryland creates an Opioid Restitution Fund with a public dashboard tracking how settlement money from pharma litigation is spent on treatment and prevention programs.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 691
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Bill Summary · SB 589

Legislative bill overview

SB 589 establishes an Opioid Restitution Fund in Maryland and creates an interactive public dashboard to track how settlement funds from opioid litigation are allocated and spent. The bill ensures transparency in how money recovered from pharmaceutical companies and distributors is distributed across treatment, prevention, and harm reduction programs.

Why is this important

Maryland has received substantial settlement payments from opioid-related litigation with major pharmaceutical companies. This bill provides taxpayers and affected communities visibility into how these recovery funds—potentially millions of dollars—are actually being used. Transparency mechanisms help ensure funds reach intended beneficiaries and prevent misallocation.

Potential points of contention

  • Dashboard design and accessibility: Questions about whether the interactive tool will be user-friendly enough for non-technical stakeholders to understand fund allocation patterns
  • Funding allocation disputes: Communities affected by the opioid crisis may disagree on whether funds are being distributed equitably across regions and prevention versus treatment priorities
  • Data privacy concerns: Balancing transparency with protecting sensitive information about funded programs and beneficiaries

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

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