The Substance Abuse Intervention Act allows courts to order involuntary substance use disorder treatment for up to 360 days based on petitions filed by private individuals. While intended to address substance use disorder and overdose deaths, the bill raises serious concerns. 

Involuntary treatment is not supported by evidence as an effective long-term solution and can increase the risk of relapse and overdose after release. The bill permits extended loss of liberty for a medical condition, relying on coercion, court enforcement, and potential contempt penalties rather than voluntary care. 

The proposal expands the role of courts and law enforcement in what should be a public health response, increasing the risk of trauma and criminalization of people with substance use disorder. It also creates inequity by requiring petitioners to guarantee treatment and transportation costs, effectively limiting access based on financial means.

Rather than improving outcomes, this approach diverts resources from proven strategies such as voluntary, on-demand treatment, medication-assisted treatment, peer support, harm reduction, housing, and mental health services.

For these reasons, House Bill 4458 should be rejected in favor of evidence-based, voluntary, and rights-respecting public health solutions.