Vermont Legislature Passes Overdose Prevention Center Funding

LOS ANGELES -The Vermont legislature has recently passed a measure that aims to address the state’s overdose crisis by establishing an overdose prevention center in Burlington. The Senate approved the proposal on May 2 with a 21 to 8 vote, and the House followed suit on Tuesday with a 96 to 35 vote. The measure, which would allocate significant funds from the Opioid Abatement Special Fund, is now heading to Governor Phil Scott’s desk.

Governor Scott has expressed his intention to veto the measure, consistent with his recent decision to veto a bill related to legal cannabis sales. However, the measure received more than 70% support in both legislative chambers, suggesting there could be sufficient backing for an override if the governor vetoes the bill.

Specifically, the proposal directs $1.1 million for fiscal year 2025 to the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) to assist Burlington in establishing the prevention center, contingent on an approved grant proposal by the city council. Additionally, the legislation mandates a comprehensive study to assess the impact of the pilot overdose prevention center. This study, to be conducted by a researcher or consulting entity with expertise in rural addiction and overdose prevention, will track changes over a four-year period, with findings and recommendations to be submitted to the General Assembly by January 15, 2029.

The bill also includes a provision for $300,000 to fund the required study, further underlining Vermont’s commitment to tackling its overdose crisis through informed, research-driven approaches. As the legislative and executive branches prepare for a possible veto showdown, stakeholders and advocates closely monitor the situation, aware of the potential implications for community health and safety policies in Vermont.