Bill > H0218

This bill appropriates approximately $7.7 million from the Opioid Abatement Special Fund in fiscal year 2026 to support various initiatives addressing opioid use disorder across Vermont. The funding is allocated to multiple departments and organizations for specific purposes, including expanding outreach and case management staff (nearly $2 million), supporting recovery residences ($1.4 million), funding syringe services ($850,000), establishing an overdose prevention center in Burlington ($1.1 million), and implementing contingency management programs. Additional funds are designated for diverse initiatives such as community training on opioid antagonist administration, wound care services, homeless shelter support, youth intervention programs, employment services for individuals with opioid use disorder, and specialized treatment services in various counties. The bill also modifies existing law by changing terminology from "medication-assisted treatment" to "medication for opioid use disorder" and enhances reporting requirements for the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee, requiring grantees to collect and report outcome measurements. The legislation aims to comprehensively address opioid use disorder through prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction strategies, with a focus on serving diverse populations and geographic regions across Vermont. The appropriations are intended to be ongoing, subject to the Special Fund's financial capacity, and will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.218