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S 77

An act relating to fiscal year 2026 appropriations from the Opioid Abatement Special Fund

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Martine Gulick and 2 co-sponsors

Allocates FY2026 Opioid Abatement funds to target treatment, prevention, harm reduction, and public health infrastructure with accountability and reporting requirements.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Health and Welfare
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 77

Overview

S.77 (Session 2025-2026, Vermont) is an act relating to fiscal year 2026 appropriations from the Opioid Abatement Special Fund. The bill outlines how funds from Vermont’s Opioid Abatement Special Fund are to be allocated for FY2026, detailing the intended purposes, eligible recipients, and any program requirements or reporting expectations tied to the use of those funds. The bill has been referred to the Health and Welfare Committee and has three co-sponsors: Wendy Harrison, Ginny Lyons, and Martine Gulick.

Purpose and Intent

  • To authorize and specify appropriations from the Opioid Abatement Special Fund for the state’s fiscal year 2026.
  • To translate the federal/state opioid settlement and related funding into targeted investments aimed at reducing opioid harm, supporting treatment and recovery, prevention, and public health infrastructure.
  • To ensure accountability and transparency in the use of Opioid Abatement funds through defined programs, eligibility, and reporting.

Key Provisions and Changes

Note: The summary reflects the typical scope of FY appropriations legislation from the Opioid Abatement Special Fund. Specific line-item allocations, program descriptions, and reporting requirements would be detailed in the bill's formal text. The following are common elements you would expect to see in such a bill:

  • Allocation framework for FY2026:
    • Distinct appropriation categories (e.g., prevention, treatment and recovery services, harm reduction, workforce development, data and surveillance, and administrative costs).
    • Possible caps or proportional distributions among state agencies and/or designated programs.
  • Program eligibility and recipients:
    • Eligible entities may include state agencies (e.g., Department of Health, Department of Mental Health, Department of Corrections), regional coalitions, community-based organizations, and treatment providers.
    • Requirements for use aligned with opioid abatement goals (e.g., evidence-based practices, matching funds, or compliance with federal guidelines).
  • Specific programmatic investments (examples typical for such funds):
    • Expansion of access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and overdose reversal resources (e.g., naloxone distribution).
    • Prevention and education initiatives targeting youth and high-risk populations.
    • Substance use disorder treatment capacity building and recovery supports (housing, employment, peer support).
    • Data collection, surveillance, and evaluation to assess impact and outcomes.
    • Public health infrastructure improvements (e.g., data systems, workforce training).
  • Reporting and accountability:
    • Annual or periodic reporting to the Legislature on fund utilization, outcomes, and program performance.
    • Compliance provisions, auditing, and potential performance metrics (e.g., reductions in overdose deaths, treatment access indicators).
  • Administrative provisions:
    • Administrative costs allowed as a percentage of the fund or capped amounts.
    • Coordination requirements among state agencies to avoid duplication and maximize impact.

Who Would be Affected

  • State government agencies administering health, mental health, substance use treatment, and public safety programs.
  • Public health systems and community-based organizations delivering prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
  • Vermonters served by opioid-related programs, including individuals with substance use disorders, their families, and communities affected by the opioid crisis.
  • Localities and regional coalitions receiving funds for community-level prevention and intervention efforts.

Timeline and Procedural Aspects

  • Introduction and First Reading: February 19, 2025 (Read 1st time; referred to Committee on Health and Welfare).
  • Committee Consideration: Referred to Health and Welfare; bill would be studied, amended, and reported back to the Senate with or without changes.
  • Further legislative action: After committee, the bill would proceed to the Senate floor for debate, potential further amendments, and a vote. If enacted, it would advance to the House (or other appropriate chambers) for consideration and potential concurrence or reconciliation.
  • Effective date: The act would specify the fiscal year 2026 budget implementation date, with funds typically available for use in fiscal year 2026 (following the state’s budget cycle).

Notes

  • The bill’s full, precise allocations, eligibility criteria, and reporting requirements are contained in the bill text. To understand exact dollar amounts and programmatic line items, refer to the enacted language in S.77.
  • Sponsors include three co-sponsors: Wendy Harrison, Ginny Lyons, and Martine Gulick, indicating bipartisan or cross-chamber collaboration typical for opioid abatement funding legislation.

If you’d like, I can pull the bill’s specific line-item allocations and any reporting mandates to provide a more granular, line-by-line summary.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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