The bill H.189 aims to combat the public health crisis of drug overdoses in Vermont by creating the Community Care, Health, and Safety Special Fund, which will provide grants for community-based harm reduction services and support for individuals with substance use disorders. It proposes to allocate 40 percent of the cannabis excise tax and a portion of the Opioid Abatement Special Fund to this new fund. The bill also seeks to eliminate criminal penalties for possessing and dispensing personal use amounts of regulated drugs, allowing individuals to receive health services instead of facing legal consequences. Additionally, it establishes the Drug Use Health and Safety Advisory Board to define benchmark personal use supplies and oversee grant distribution.

Key provisions include the decriminalization of possession and dispensing of regulated drugs in amounts equal to or less than a benchmark personal use supply, with individuals receiving health needs screening information instead of penalties. The bill introduces specific penalties for unlawful possession, selling, or dispensing of larger quantities of controlled substances, with tiered punishments based on the amount involved. It also creates the Substance Use Prevention Special Fund, funded by a portion of the cannabis excise tax, dedicated to substance use prevention programming. The bill outlines a structured implementation timeline, with certain sections taking effect upon passage and others starting on January 1, 2026, ensuring a smooth transition to the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-4201, 18-4202, 18-4231, 18-4232, 18-4233, 18-4233a, 18-4233b, 18-4234, 18-4234a, 18-4234b, 18-4235, 18-4235a, 18-4774, 32-7909