Establishes a workgroup within this commission to examine outcomes of voluntary vs. involuntary SUD treatment through the criminal justice system. The use of involuntary SUD treatment has been promoted by some in the criminal legal system.

This approach is generally opposed by decriminalization and treatment advocates. MDDCSAM has traditionally promoted decriminalization measures. The bill was championed by the Maryland Coalition on Drug Use Treatment and Recovery with the expectation that the new workgroup would likely establish that a criminal legal (“drug war”) approach leads to poor outcomes.

See the sign-on letter in support, signed by MDDCSAM, MedChi and others.