Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Appropriations Committee
ESB 5906
Brief Description: Implementing a statewide drug overdose prevention and education campaign.
Sponsors: Senators Wilson, L., Dozier, Gildon, Holy, Mullet, Torres, Warnick and Wilson, J..
Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill
  • Requires the Department of Health to develop and maintain an ongoing drug overdose prevention campaign.
Hearing Date: 2/23/24
Staff: Lily Smith (786-7175).
Background:

The Department of Health (DOH) provides services to promote and protect public health in Washington.  The DOH works with local health jurisdictions, tribal partners, and state healthcare systems to provide technical assistance and strategic planning related to public health.
Summary of Bill:

Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated, the DOH must develop, implement, and maintain an ongoing drug overdose prevention campaign, which must include information on dangers and harms related to drug use and provide outreach to youth and adults.  The campaign may include additional information on addiction and overdose prevention, resources for treatment, and immunity for those seeking medical assistance. 


Beginning June 30, 2025, the DOH must submit an annual report to the Legislature with information on the content and distribution of the campaign.


The DOH must conduct a feasibility study on the creation of a drug overdose prevention hotline and submit a report to the Legislature with recommendations by July 1, 2025.
Appropriation: The bill contains a section or sections to limit implementation to the availability of amounts appropriated for that specific purpose.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2024.