Summary: S4299/A5043 makes changes to the current process of allocating funding from the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund (ORRF) for a specific program.  The Bill appropriates funds annually to the Recovery Initiative and Support and Engagement (Operation RISE) program in the Division of State Police. The Superintendent of the State Police and the Commissioner of Human Services will determine the amount to be allocated to Operation RISE, but it cannot exceed $5 million per year.   

• Opioid Recovery and Remediation

Who will this affect?  

• Individuals and family members impacted by the opioid overdose crisis. The ORRF Advisory Council’s role is to engage with stakeholders and community members to make recommendations on how funds will be allocated and distributed. Allocated funds through legislation will limit the role of the Advisory Council and the voice of individuals and family members impacted by the opioid overdose crisis. This bill may influence how ORRF money is allocated going forward.  

• New or contracted programs and initiatives with end dates. The continuation and availability of funding for programs that rely on ORRF support over time. If funding is allocated through legislation without an end date, less funding will be available for new projects and initiatives or an expansion of programs that are not included in the legislation.   

• Grassroots and small organizations will have fewer opportunities for State funds allocated through legislation. For example, funding is allocated to large hospital groups, while no funding is available to small, community hospitals.

Background Information

Opioid Recovery and Remediation Funding (ORRF) 

The opioid settlement funds are from the national litigation against pharmaceutical companies, major distributors and manufacturers for their role in the opioid epidemic. New Jersey will receive more than $1 billion over an 18-year period, beginning in 2022. The New Jersey Department of Human Services is the lead agency. and the Commissioner is the chair of the ORRF Advisory Council. New Jersey has allocated hundreds of millions of dollars towards addressing the opioid crisis, including creating over 30 evidence-based programs across eight departments.    

In March 2023, Governor Murphy signed into law P.L. 2023 (c. 25) that establishes the New Jersey Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund Advisory Council. The purpose of the Council is to review proposals, data, and analysis, and engage with stakeholders and community members to develop and provide recommendations to be made publicly available on the allocation and distribution of the State’s share of proceeds from national opioid litigation resolutions.   Opioid Settlements  

Recovery Initiative and Support and Engagement (Operation RISE) Program 

Operation RISE is a program initiated by the NJ State Police to provide support for individuals struggling with substance use disorder. The program is in all 21 counties and provides resources for treatment and recovery through law enforcement, utilizing surveillance data to target areas in need of assistance. Operation RISE focuses on proactive outreach and community engagement. 

• Support Resources for the Public

You can also contact the Committee Chair and members as they decide if the bill moves forward.