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Bill

S 8033

Prohibits incarcerated individuals suffering from a substance use disorder from being prescribed medications for a different disorder

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nathalia Fernández

Prohibits prescribing medications for any disorder other than the diagnosed substance use disorder to incarcerated individuals with SUD, reshaping prison healthcare practice.

REFERRED TO CRIME VICTIMS, CRIME AND CORRECTION
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Bill Summary · S 8033

Summary of Bill S 8033

Overview

Bill S 8033 would prohibit incarcerated individuals who suffer from a substance use disorder (SUD) from being prescribed medications for a different disorder. The primary sponsor is Nathalia Fernandez. The bill was introduced on May 15, 2025 and is currently in committee.

Status and Legislative Path

  • Introduced: May 15, 2025
  • Current status: Referred to the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction (CVCC)
  • Committee involvement: The bill’s progress will depend on committee consideration, potential amendments, and votes before moving to the full chamber for debate.
  • Legislative actions record: The date and committee reference appear twice in the official action list, indicating a duplication in the record rather than two distinct actions.

Primary Sponsor

  • Nathalia Fernandez (primary)

What the bill seeks to do (based on title)

  • The core concept, as stated in the bill’s title, is to prohibit prescribing medications for any disorder other than the substance use disorder to incarcerated individuals who have a diagnosed SUD.
  • The bill’s text would define terms such as “incarcerated individuals,” “substance use disorder,” and “medications for a different disorder,” and would specify how restrictions apply (e.g., eligibility, exemptions, and enforcement).

Potential Provisions (illustrative implications based on title)

  • A prohibition on prescribing non-SUD medications to inmates with SUD.
  • Possible provisions addressing:
    • What constitutes a “different disorder.”
    • Whether there are medical or ethical exceptions (e.g., life-threatening conditions, concurrent medical needs).
    • How prescribers must document and report adherence to the ban.
    • Penalties or disciplinary actions for violations (if any).
    • Transitional arrangements or phased implementation.

Note: The specific statutory language, including definitions, exemptions, enforcement mechanisms, and effective dates, is not provided in the summary available here.

Who is Affected

  • Incarcerated individuals with a substance use disorder: Primary direct beneficiaries or targets of the policy.
  • Healthcare providers within correctional facilities: Responsible for prescribing medications; would operate under the bill’s restrictions.
  • Correctional institutions and budgets: Administrative and clinical workflows may change; potential cost implications from altered treatment patterns.
  • State or local health and justice systems: Could experience impacts on medical standards of care, patient outcomes, and program evaluations.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • The bill is in the committee stage under the CVCC. After committee review, it could move to a vote in the relevant legislative chamber, potentially followed by consideration in the other chamber (depending on the legislative structure).
  • Next steps typically include hearings, possible amendments, floor debate, and votes, followed by reconciliation if both chambers pass different versions.

Open Questions for Review

  • What are the precise definitions of the key terms (“incarcerated,” “substance use disorder,” “medications for a different disorder”)?
  • Are there medical exemptions or safety carve-outs?
  • How would the bill affect continuity of care and treatment for chronic conditions co-occurring with SUD?
  • What enforcement, penalties, or oversight provisions accompany the prohibition?
  • When would the bill take effect, if enacted, and would there be transition provisions?

This summary reflects the information publicly available about S 8033 as of its introduction and committee referral. For a complete understanding, the bill’s full text and fiscal notes should be reviewed once released.

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

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