Opioid Settlement Fund Committee; create to disburse opioid litigation settlement monies.

HB 848 creates the Opioid Settlement Fund Committee to annually allocate money from Mississippi’s opioid litigation settlements (e.g., from Janssen, Johnson & Johnson, and pharmacy chains). The committee, including the Governor, Attorney General, health officials, and public safety leaders, determines grant recipients for specific programs like school drug prevention, treatment centers, and healthcare for uninsured patients with addiction or mental health needs. Funds must follow settlement agreement rules, and the Attorney General must report annual disbursements to the legislature. The bill specifies unspent funds won’t roll into the general budget, ensuring dedicated use for opioid-related initiatives.