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Bill

SB 308

Drug overdose and drug overdose deaths; VDH to develop plan for opioid overdose response.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stella Pekarsky

Virginia directs its Department of Health to create a strategy reducing opioid overdose deaths with measurable goals and legislative reporting requirements.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0668)
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Bill Summary · SB 308

Legislative bill overview

SB 308 directs Virginia's Department of Health to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to reduce opioid overdose rates and overdose-related deaths across the state. The bill requires the department to establish measurable goals, identify evidence-based interventions, and submit regular progress reports to the legislature detailing outcomes and recommendations.

Why is this important

Opioid overdose deaths remain a significant public health crisis in Virginia and nationwide. This bill creates accountability mechanisms and legislative oversight for state-level efforts to address the epidemic, potentially coordinating fragmented responses across agencies and ensuring data-driven approaches to prevention, treatment, and harm reduction.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding and resources: The bill mandates new departmental responsibilities without specifying budget allocations, which could strain existing public health resources or require new appropriations
  • Scope and enforcement: Unclear whether the bill establishes enforceable timelines or consequences for failing to meet reduction targets, potentially limiting its practical impact
  • Intervention selection: Disagreement may arise over which evidence-based strategies receive priority (medication-assisted treatment, syringe services programs, naloxone distribution, etc.), reflecting broader policy and ideological differences

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

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