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Murphy said that the Senate is expected to take up the bills before the end of the legislative session.
"The first round of hearings provided valuable insight as to the obstacles we as a state must overcome to win the war on heroin and opioid addiction," Murphy said in a statement. "This legislative package will advance important legislation from last year's Task Force as well as address new issues which have been identified as a result of the most recent hearings. Ultimately, we must continue our fight every day to curb the scourge of this epidemic by holding drug dealers accountable and by providing realistic options for prevention and those in recovery."
The preliminary package of eight bills to be acted on builds on the Senate legislation successfully enacted last year as a result of the Task Force's efforts.
The 2015-16 state budget provided significant funding for programs targeting the heroin crisis, including: $7.8 million in funding for statewide prevention, treatment and recovery services, $450,000 to purchase narcan kits given out for free to individuals who participate in a narcan training class, and $140,000 to finance the cost of narcan kits for staff and nurses in the event of a heroin or opioid overdose at school.
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