Hodgson, Other County Sheriffs Support Gov. Baker’s Opioid Legislation

Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson says he's supporting Governor Charlie Baker's proposed legislation that looks to curb opioid abuse in the Bay State.

Hodgson joined other Massachusetts Sheriffs and the Governor Monday, endorsing the legislation that looks to limit new opioid prescriptions to a three-day supply, and give doctors the power to evaluate addicts and recommend them for long-term treatment.

Hodgson tells WBSM News he recommended to the governor that any treatment take place in a secure facility rather than a halfway house. "People that may ultimately want to get off the drug and are living in a place like that are continually being tempted because it's basically a one-stop selling place for people who are dealing drugs," said Hodgson.

Hodgson adds that education of children on the dangers of drugs is also vitally important. "Making sure that this is a sustained effort to give them a structured world that they can thrive in without having to be constantly concerned about the temptations and the pressures of people trying to encourage them to use drugs."

Baker's legislation will be heard before the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse next week.