Harm Reduction Legislation Moving in Both House and Senate

March 14, 2024

Legislation to require sober homes to allow the use of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and increase access to opioid antagonists received a hearing in the House Human Services Policy Committee on March 11.  

HF 3954 (Frederick, DFL – Mankato) modifies current sober home requirements to require that opioid antagonists be placed in a conspicuous location, thereby increasing access to a drug that individuals with a history of substance use disorder will benefit greatly from. In addition, the legislation will permit sober residents to have access to MOUD, resulting in sober home residents reducing their withdrawal and cravings; preventing opioid overdose, decreasing use of non-prescribed opioids; decreasing infections secondary to injection drug use; and saving lives.  

MMA member Ryan Kelly, MD, testified in strong support of the legislation, which would ensure that patients don’t have to choose between having access to needed Suboxone to address addictions and having housing. 

 The MMA is partnering with the Minnesota Harm Reduction Collaborative, as the leading organization advocating for multiple harm reduction bills.   

This legislation was first heard in the Senate Human Services Policy Committee on February 26. It was laid over for inclusion in a future human services policy omnibus bill. This legislation, along with other harm reduction strategy bills, is one of MMA’s five legislative priorities for 2024.