§ 71-2487 — Legislative findings

The Legislature finds that:
(1) There is an opioid epidemic occurring in the United States, and Nebraska has been impacted;
(2) The opioid epidemic in Nebraska is a serious public health crisis stemming from the rapid increase in the use of prescription and nonprescription opioid drugs;
(3) Many states are recovering funds for the management of opioid addiction within their borders;
(4) Coordination surrounding and managing opioid addiction and related disorders is critical to the health and safety of all Nebraskans;
(5) Funding for prevention and treatment of opioid addiction and related disorders, including those that are co-occurring with other mental health and substance use disorders, is needed in Nebraska;
(6) Law enforcement agencies in the State of Nebraska are dealing with the effects of the opioid epidemic daily and are in need of resources for training, education, and interdiction;
(7) There is a need to enhance the network of professionals who provide treatment for opioid addiction and related disorders, including co-occurring mental health disorders and other co-occurring substance use disorders;
(8) There is a need for education of medical professionals, including training on proper prescription practices and best practices for tapering patients off of prescribed opioids for medical use;
(9) Incarcerated individuals in the Nebraska correctional system and other vulnerable populations with opioid use disorder need access to resources that will help address addiction; and
(10) The health and safety of all Nebraskans will be improved by opioid remediation in the State of Nebraska.

Legislative History

Source: Laws 2020, LB1124, § 3; Laws 2024, LB1355, § 6.