BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 340

By: Huffman

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In light of the prevalence of opioid use and abuse, it is prudent for law enforcement agencies to have funds available to purchase opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, for use by peace officers, evidence technicians, and related personnel who, in the course of performing their duties, are likely to come into contact with opioids or encounter persons suffering from an apparent opioid‑related drug overdose. Acknowledging this need, S.B. 340 provides for the creation of a grant program to provide financial assistance to law enforcement agencies to purchase opioid antagonists for those personnel.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 340 amends the Government Code to require the criminal justice division in the governor's office to establish and administer an opioid antagonist grant program to provide financial assistance to a law enforcement agency in Texas that seeks to provide opioid antagonists to peace officers, evidence technicians, and related personnel who, in the course of performing their duties, are likely to come into contact with opioids or encounter persons suffering from an apparent opioid-related drug overdose. A law enforcement agency may apply for a grant under the program only if the agency first adopts a policy addressing the usage of an opioid antagonist for a person suffering from an apparent opioid-related drug overdose. The bill sets out certain required components of a grant application and requires a law enforcement agency receiving a grant to provide to the division proof of purchase of the opioid antagonists as soon as practicable after receiving the grant. The bill authorizes the division to use any money available for purposes of the program. The division is required to implement a provision of the bill only if the legislature appropriates money specifically for that purpose. The bill authorizes, but expressly does not require, the division to implement a provision of the bill using other appropriations available for that purpose if the legislature does not provide specific appropriation.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2019.