The Utah House has passed a proposal to create a committee to review drug overdose deaths. The measure would also create an opioid fatality examiner position and enhance state databases to help study the nationwide opioid crisis in Utah.
Republican sponsor Rep. Steve Eliason says opioid drug deaths dipped slightly last year to about 360, but the numbers are still far too high.
He says the data from the Opioid and Overdose Fatality Review Committee could save more lives.
The measure would cost about $145,000 in one-time money and $675,000 in ongoing funds.
It now goes to the Senate.