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H 819

An act relating to the Division of Substance Use Programs

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Daisy Berbeco

The bill aims to reform and strengthen Vermont’s Division of Substance Use Programs to improve governance, funding, and access to evidence-based treatment and recovery services.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Health Care
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Bill Summary · H 819

Overview

House Bill 819 (H 819), for the 2025-2026 Vermont Legislative Session, is a proposed act titled “An act relating to the Division of Substance Use Programs.” The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Health Care (as of January 29, 2026) and has a co-sponsor: Daisy Berbeco. The summary below outlines the bill’s purpose, key provisions, affected stakeholders, and notable procedural aspects.

Purpose and intent

  • The bill appears to focus on the Division of Substance Use Programs within Vermont’s health or human services structure, aiming to reform, clarify, or enhance the administration, oversight, funding, and program operations related to substance use treatment, prevention, and recovery services.
  • The overarching objective is likely to improve access to services, align programs with best practices in substance use disorder treatment, and strengthen the division’s capacity to coordinate care and ensure quality services for Vermonters affected by substance use.

Key provisions and changes (high-level)

Note: Specific statutory language is not provided in the summary available. Based on the title and typical scope of such bills, anticipated categories of provisions may include:

  • Organizational and governance changes
    • Revisions to the structure, responsibilities, or reporting lines of the Division of Substance Use Programs.
    • Clarifications of authority for program design, licensure, and oversight.
  • Program funding and budgeting
    • Provisions related to appropriation levels, funding streams, or grant programs to support substance use treatment and prevention.
  • Service delivery and access
    • Measures to expand or standardize treatment options (e.g., medication-assisted treatment, counseling, recovery supports).
    • Initiatives to improve access for underserved populations and rural communities.
  • Quality, accountability, and evaluation
    • Requirements for data collection, reporting, performance metrics, and program evaluation.
    • Establishment or refinement of quality assurance processes.
  • Collaboration and partnerships
    • Provisions to coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as community-based organizations, hospitals, and behavioral health providers.
  • Compliance and enforcement
    • Rules related to licensure, compliance monitoring, and penalties or corrective actions for noncompliance.

Who would be affected

  • State agencies and the Department of Health or Human Services responsible for behavioral health and substance use programs.
  • Substance use treatment providers, clinics, and recovery services operating within Vermont.
  • Individuals receiving substance use treatment, prevention, or recovery services (including those in rural or underserved areas) who may experience changes in access, funding, or service offerings.
  • Local and regional health districts and community organizations involved in public health and addiction services.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Health Care on 2026-01-29.
  • Next steps: The Health Care Committee would review, hold hearings, and potentially amend the bill before advancing to the full House for debate and vote. If passed, it would move to the Senate with further consideration.
  • Possible implementation timeline: Dependent on enactment date and any required rulemaking or administrative steps; timing could include effective dates for funding appropriation, program implementation milestones, and transition periods if organizational changes are authorized.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Positive impacts may include clearer governance of substance use programming, improved access to evidence-based treatments, enhanced data-driven decision making, and stronger coordination across state agencies.
  • Considerations for stakeholders include cost implications, capacity of providers to scale services, potential changes in licensing or compliance burdens, and ensuring equity in access to services.

If you have access to the bill’s text or fiscal notes, I can provide a more precise, line-by-line summary of provisions, funding details, and specific dates or percentages.

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

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