Rep. Butch Parrish Appointed to House Study Committee on Alternatives to Opioids for Pain Management

ATLANTA - State Representative Butch Parrish (R-Swainsboro), chairman of the House Rules Committee, was recently appointed by Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) to serve on the House Study Committee on Alternatives to Opioids for Pain Management.

"I am grateful to Speaker Burns for appointing me to this study committee on a matter that deserves much attention and investigation during the interim," said Chairman Parrish. "We heard from many hurting families affected by the opioid crisis during the 2024 legislative session and made positive legislative change to help curb this epidemic. We will work hard this interim toward effective education regarding alternatives to addictive pain management medications in order to give peace to families and prevent more loss. I am eager to present legislation during the 2025 session based on our findings and continue the House's efforts to pass public policy to protect Georgians."

The House Study Committee on Alternatives to Opioids for Pain Management was established following the adoption of House Resolution 1360 during the 2024 legislative session. The study committee will explore methods to increase awareness of non-opioid alternatives, including non-opioid pharmacologic treatments, through educational programs for healthcare providers. The committee aims to foster collaboration and integrated care among all healthcare providers involved in pain management. Additionally, the committee may propose legislative recommendations before the 2025 legislative session.

Speaker Burns also appointed the following study committee members: State Representatives Katie Dempsey (R-Rome), Michelle Au (D-Johns Creek), Sharon Cooper (R-Marietta), Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville), Lynn Gladney (D-Augusta) and Mark Newton (R-Augusta). Mr. Jeff Breedlove, Mr. Michael Persley, Dr. Armin Oskouei, Mr. Jesse Weathington and Mr. Adam Kaye will serve as the non-legislative members.

Representative Butch Parrish represents the citizens of District 158, which includes Candler, Emanuel and Treutlen counties and portions of Bulloch County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1984 and currently serves as Chairman of the Rules Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Banks & Banking, Economic Development & Tourism, Health, Human Relations & Aging, Public Health and Technology and Infrastructure Innovation committees.

###