Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution No. 2021-465 approving the nonbinding Memorandum of Understanding ("Florida Plan") sought by Florida's Attorney General in furtherance of settlement of the action against three opioid drug distributors (AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson) and one drug manufacturer (Johnson & Johnson) (collectively, "Defendants") in the National Multidistrict Opioid Litigation ("MDL"); and authorizing the Mayor to execute a subsequent formal agreement that is substantially on the same terms as the Florida Plan, subject to the Office of the County Attorney approving as to legal sufficiency.
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Why Action is Necessary
Provides the Board's support for the Florida Plan as the framework to resolve the County's claims against the Defendants.
What Action Accomplishes
Provides the above-referenced adoption and allows for Board discussion.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
On December 12, 2017, the Board authorized the filing of litigation against manufacturers, distributors, and other potential parties in connection with the opioid epidemic. On January 23, 2018, the Board approved the selection of an outside counsel litigation team comprised of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP, Kopelowitz Ostrow Ferguson Weiselberg Gilbert, Morgan & Morgan, and Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm to work with the Office of the County Attorney in representing the County in this litigation. On March 12, 2018, Broward County filed a multicount suit against multiple manufacturers, distributors, and marketers of opioid drugs. Broward County's case is included within the multidistrict litigation pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
Following months of protracted negotiations between the...
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