On March 10, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Health Committee in support of HB 1162 – Correctional Services – Medication-Assisted Treatment Funding. 

This bill clarifies State procedures and viable funding sources for medication-assisted treatment in local detention centers. It reflects a careful balance to resolve a prolonged and vexing issue and will help the State reach compliance with at least one of several missed obligations within local detention centers.

Local detention centers increasingly serve individuals struggling with opioid use disorder, making access to effective treatment programs an essential component of public health and public safety. After years of uncertainty surrounding how these programs should be financed, HB 1162 aims to better align state requirements with viable funding sources, including grants, appropriations, and opioid settlement funds. By creating a clearer process for identifying program costs and coordinating state support, the bill seeks to help ensure these critical services can be implemented consistently and sustainably across Maryland’s detention centers.

From MACo Testimony: 

HB 1162 will finally deliver on the long-sought agreement to support critical services to Maryland’s incarcerated populations. This bill will connect current mandates to specified agencies and viable funding sources through the use of opioid settlement funds, in conjunction with appropriated funds and eligible grants. The changes will bring long-awaited clarity and compliance for resources to serve these vulnerable populations.

More on MACo’s Advocacy: 

• Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2026 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database
• Learn more about MACo’s 2026 Legislative Initiatives
• Read more General Assembly News on MACo’s Conduit Street blog