Senate committee advances Portman bill to broaden approach in fight against heroin abuse

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved legislation on Thursday that U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) introduced to incentivize state and local governments to broaden their fight against heroin abuse.

The bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, S. 524, would establish incentives and resources to encourage state and local partners to take a broader approach to the heroin epidemic.

“This is an important step in the fight to save our friends, neighbors and family members struggling with addiction,” Portman said. “This is the only bipartisan legislation that includes a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to help communities combat this epidemic.”

The measure would expand opioid and heroin abuse prevention and education efforts that target teens, parents, caretakers and seniors. Naloxone, an overdose antidote that can save lives, would also be made more available to police and first responders under the bill.

“It has significant support from both sides of the aisle, as well as from doctors, nurses, first responders, those in recovery, and other experts in the field,” Portman said. “The heroin epidemic in Ohio has reached crisis levels and I will continue to work to get this bill over the finish line.”

Portman’s bill would also expand prescription drug disposal sites, launch an opioid and heroin treatment program that uses best practices, and enhance programs that monitor and track prescription drug abuse and diversion.

Among the groups that support the bill are the National District Attorneys Association, the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors, Faces and Voices of Recovery, the National Council for Behavioral Health, and the Major County Sheriffs’ Association.