State Assembly Passes Batch of Bills to Combat Opioid Abuse

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Months after Gov. Scott Walker called on the Legislature to take swift action to combat the state’s opioid epidemic, the state Assembly has passed nine pieces of Legislation.

The Assembly, on Tuesday, passed all but two of 11 bills Republican Rep. John Nygren wrote based on recommendations from Walker’s opioid task force, which he co-chairs.

The measures, many of which drew unanimous support, include $4.8 million to expand treatment programs, $50,000 to start a high school for students recovering from addiction, $126,000 to train more doctors in addiction, $420,000 annually for four new drug investigation agents, and $200,000 to train school staff to screen students for addiction.

The bills have to pass the Senate before reaching Walker’s desk to become law.

The remaining two bills are still in committee.