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H 856

An act relating to possessing regulated drugs and establishing the Drug Use Health and Safety Advisory Board

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Angela Arsenault and 1 co-sponsor

Vermont H 856 decriminalizes drug possession and creates an advisory board to shift policy toward health-based interventions instead of criminal penalties.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
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Bill Summary · H 856

Legislative bill overview

H 856 proposes to decriminalize possession of regulated drugs in Vermont and establishes a Drug Use Health and Safety Advisory Board to develop public health-oriented policies around drug use. The bill shifts the legal framework from criminal penalties toward health and safety interventions for individuals possessing controlled substances.

Why is this important

Drug possession laws directly affect criminal justice outcomes, incarceration rates, and public health resources. This bill represents a significant policy shift from criminalization to harm reduction—a model several jurisdictions have explored with varying results on addiction treatment access, public safety, and community health outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of "regulated drugs": Unclear which substances qualify and at what quantities, creating ambiguity about enforcement boundaries and potential loopholes
  • Public safety concerns: Critics may argue decriminalization could increase drug use or community disorder without adequate treatment infrastructure in place
  • Implementation costs: Establishing and operating an Advisory Board plus redirecting enforcement resources requires budget allocation that may face fiscal scrutiny
  • Interstate implications: Vermont's approach could differ markedly from neighboring states, potentially creating cross-border complications for law enforcement
  • Treatment capacity gaps: Success depends on adequate addiction services, which may not exist statewide to support diverted individuals

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

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