Bill > H0039

This bill proposes to completely repeal the existing statute that established and regulated Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs) in Vermont. Specifically, the bill would eliminate the entire legal framework that previously defined OPCs, including their services, operational guidelines, and importantly, the legal protections for individuals and organizations involved with these centers. Under the previous law, OPCs were authorized to provide supervised spaces for drug consumption, harm reduction supplies, medical monitoring, overdose intervention, referrals to treatment, and education about safer drug use. The bill would remove all provisions that granted immunity from prosecution and civil liability for participants, staff, property owners, and others associated with these centers. By inserting "[Repealed.]" in place of the entire existing section, the bill effectively erases the legal basis for OPCs in Vermont. The bill is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, which provides a transition period before the current legal framework is completely eliminated.