New Jersey would set deadlines for recipients to spend opioid settlement money

Recipients would have to spend distributed settlement money on time, seek more time, or return what remains. This covers national opioid settlement money received by New Jersey or its counties or municipalities and then distributed for allowed uses. A project lasting several years may follow a schedule approved by the Department of Human Services or the relevant local oversight body. After the deadline, the recipient must seek an extension or return unspent money for redistribution. The 18 months start when a recipient receives the money; an approved multiyear schedule sets its own deadline.

Recipients would repay settlement money spent on uses the law does not allow. This covers New Jersey executive agencies, counties, municipalities, and other organizations receiving national opioid settlement money. An authorized state or local overseer must find that the money was misused and send written notice. The recipient may ask that overseer for more time to repay it. Repayment is due within 60 days after the recipient receives written notice, unless an extension is approved.

The state advisory council would train local governments and give them requested guidance on spending settlement money. Training goes to counties and municipalities receiving national opioid settlement money; counties and municipalities may request guidance. Training must explain allowed uses and be led live, in person or remotely. A county or municipality may request guidance about its share of the money. The council would establish the program no sooner than 12 months after enactment, provide training to each funded county or municipality at least once within 24 months, and provide it on request afterward.

Advisory council members would have to stay out of official actions and recommendations involving their financial interests. This applies to members of the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Advisory Council. The restriction applies when a member has a direct or indirect financial interest in the matter. This restriction would begin immediately if the bill became law.

The state and local governments receiving settlement money would post links to a misuse reporting form. The state settlement dashboard and websites of counties and municipalities receiving national opioid settlement money are covered. Counties and municipalities must also link to any spending reports they are already required to compile. Local links must be easy to find on their websites. These website requirements would begin immediately if the bill became law.