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Hays County could be contemplating a lawsuit against players in the opioid industry – a measure that has been taken by other counties and states, including the state of Texas.
At its meeting this morning, the Hays County Commissioners Court will go into executive session to discuss, among other things, a request for qualifications for special counsel for opioid litigation. Possible deliberation and/or action could follow the closed session in open court.
According to the request for qualifications posted on the county website, Hays County is looking to retain a law firm “to evaluate the merits of, and to the extent desired by the county, pursue litigation against opioid manufacturers, distributors and others related to the impact of opioid manufacturing, marketing, distribution, and use in Hays County.”
In 2018, the state of Texas filed a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma for violating state laws against deceptive trade practices and misrepresenting the risk of addiction to its painkillers to patients and doctors. Travis County has also filed a lawsuit regarding opioid abuse. The New Yorker reported last month that more than 1,500 cases have been instigated by states, counties, cities and other political entities against pharmaceutical companies, distributors and drugstore chains.
In open session, the commissioners are set to discuss and possibly make a decision on an agreement between the Hays County Veteran’s Treatment Court and Austin Recovery Inc. related to the provision of a substance abuse treatment facility. Grant funds have been set aside for the expenses.
The commissioners are also slated to discuss an agreement to provide space for the Rainbow Room for the Hays County Child Protective Board at county property located at 401 C Broadway Street in San Marcos.
As part of its consent agenda, the commissioners court is set to discuss a grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program. The county receives funding for this program to offset jail expenses associated with the incarceration of undocumented criminal aliens. The amount awarded will depend on the inmate data submitted with the application.
The Hays County Commissioners Court meets at 9 a.m. on the third floor of the Hays County Courthouse, 111 San Antonio St. Meetings are also streamed live.
