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HB 1968

Opioids - As introduced, adds Alvogen, Inc., Apotex Corp., and Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. to the list of companies that may be released by the attorney general for pending or future claims regarding opioids. - Amends TCA Title 20 and Title 33.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Andrew Farmer

Tennessee expands opioid manufacturer liability immunity to three additional pharmaceutical companies, limiting future state legal claims against them.

Comp. SB subst.
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Bill Summary · HB 1968

Legislative bill overview

HB 1968 adds three pharmaceutical companies—Alvogen, Inc., Apotex Corp., and Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc.—to Tennessee's list of opioid manufacturers that can be released from pending or future legal claims by the state attorney general. This appears to be part of ongoing opioid litigation settlement negotiations, modifying existing state law to encompass additional defendants.

Why is this important

Tennessee, like many states, has pursued legal action against opioid manufacturers for their role in the addiction crisis. Settlement agreements typically require companies to pay damages while receiving liability protection. This bill expands that protection framework to additional manufacturers, potentially affecting how much compensation the state can recover and from which companies.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of liability release: Adding companies to the release list may prevent the state from pursuing claims against these manufacturers in the future, raising questions about whether adequate settlements were reached before immunity was granted
  • Public transparency: The bill doesn't specify settlement amounts or terms with these three companies, making it unclear what compensation Tennessee received in exchange for releasing claims
  • Fairness across defendants: Different opioid manufacturers may receive different settlement terms and protections, raising concerns about whether all responsible parties are being held equally accountable for the crisis

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

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