S 1709
An Act to save lives by distributing narcan to individuals at risk for an overdose
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to provide naloxone (Narcan), a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, to individuals leaving correctional facilities in Massachusetts. The goal is to reduce the risk of overdose and death for people who have been incarcerated and are being released back into the community. It focuses on distributing this life-saving medication to those most vulnerable upon discharge.
Key provisions
- Distributes naloxone to individuals being discharged from correctional facilities.
- Targets individuals at risk for opioid overdose.
- Aims to prevent overdose deaths among formerly incarcerated individuals.
- Supports public safety efforts by increasing access to overdose reversal medication.
Who is affected
- Individuals leaving correctional facilities
- Formerly incarcerated individuals
- Correctional facilities in Massachusetts
- Public Safety and Homeland Security personnel
Notable changes
- Provides a specific mechanism for distributing naloxone to a vulnerable population.
- Addresses a potential risk of overdose upon release from prison.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
John F. Keenan
Cosponsors
James B. Eldridge
John F. Keenan
Patricia D. Jehlen
Arguments in favor
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Bill S.1709 194th (Current)
An Act to save lives by distributing narcan to individuals at risk for an overdose
By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1709) of John F. Keenan, James B. Eldridge and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to distribute Narcan to a detainee or prisoner at risk for an overdose upon discharge from a correctional facility. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: John F. Keenan Status: Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill S.1709
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 6/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/26/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 7/21/2025 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means |
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