By Representatives Decker of Cambridge and Lawn of Watertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2196) of Marjorie C. Decker, Mindy Domb and others relative to overdose deaths and access to treatment. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
This bill requires all state university campuses in Massachusetts to train resident assistants in administering opioid antagonists (like naloxone) and to keep these medications onsite in college housing. It directly affects campus housing staff and students by mandating accessible emergency response tools for suspected opioid overdoses. Key provisions include mandatory training for resident assistants, on-site maintenance of opioid antagonists, and ensuring these resources are available during emergencies for any student or staff on campus housing premises. The law also directs the health and higher education departments to create implementing regulations.
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1391) of Julian Cyr for legislation relative to harm reduction and racial justice. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1194) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to prevent unscrupulous medical debt recovery practices. The Judiciary.
By Representative Tarsky of Needham (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2237) of Debra Schmill relative to a minor's consent to substance use treatment. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
Senate, September 11, 2025 -- The committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 1392) of Julian Cyr and Joanne M. Comerford that provisions be made for a special commission to study available behavioral health services and to make recommendations for improving access to behavioral health services for children and families in the commonwealth, report the accompanying Order (Senate, No. 2601).
By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2198) of Marjorie C. Decker relative to emergency department boarding. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
By Representatives Decker of Cambridge and Scarsdale of Pepperell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2197) of Marjorie C. Decker relative to access to addiction services. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2214) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr,. and others relative to substance use disorder evaluations. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
This bill (SD 45) requires the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services to formally include "fetal opioid drug exposure and addiction" within the existing definition of "Closely Related Developmental Conditions" under state regulations. It directly affects individuals with developmental conditions linked to prenatal opioid exposure by ensuring they qualify for related support services. The key mechanism is amending regulatory definitions to expand eligibility, without creating new programs or funding. The commissioner may also later add other diagnoses to this category at their discretion.