Buckbee Re-Establishes Momentum on Legislation Aimed to Curb Opioid Crisis

HARTFORD – It is the early stages of the 2021 legislative session. Rep. Buckbee has put forth a package of proposals that seek to eliminate the abuse of opioids and provide resources for those seeking recovery from addiction. Buckbee has introduced over 10 individual proposals to date, many already gaining traction in this year’s legislative process, that are intended to curb the opioid pandemic.

“We are looking, at the state level, to expand Brian Cody’s Law, which is a package of bills that will immediately provide help to those fighting the awful grips of addiction. We had a handful of bills that were sitting on the goal line in the previous legislative session, but due to the COVID-19 outbreak business was shelved and the process stopped short,” said Buckbee.

According to Buckbee, he has already started the process of re-kindling the bipartisan support his initiatives had previously received. As an example, Buckbee had secured two Democratic co-sponsors to his bill that was drafted to allow first responders to utilize various GPS tracking and related technology when responding to expected overdoses.

“I have proposed the same concept this session. It’s going to be considered in the Public Safety and Security Committee before moving ahead and it’s been communicated to me that many legislators are interested in supporting it. I am hopeful that this year’s proposal on the GPS topic gets a public hearing within the next couple of weeks,” said Buckbee.

Buckbee also has legislation seeking to do the following:

• Establish a continuum of care relating to opioid addiction treatments among the State Police, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and local Mental Health Authorities
• Establish a high-risk navigator, which places life-improving recovery resources in the hands of those struggling at the pinnacle of addiction
• Hold individuals accountable who are convicted of dispensing and illegally dealing opioids
• Provide an adequate number of beds within state regulated health facilities for individuals to recover from addiction or opioid overdose

“The passage of these proposals does not mean an immediate fix. It’s critical that we, as a community, continue to focus on erasing negative stigma associated with addiction and educate ourselves on how we can be part of the solution,” explained Buckbee. “Far too many families are impacted by this, but this is a battle that can be won. I look forward to creating public policy that improves all lives within New Milford and across our great state.”

The legislature’s various committees of cognizance are considering Buckbee’s proposals. After they are considered by their respective committees, the next step will be the public hearing process – when all individuals are invited to provide their thoughts on the proposed new laws. For updates on the public hearing process and to find a complete list of bills proposed by Rep. Buckbee, be sure to frequently check his website at RepBuckbee.com.

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