The bill H.856 proposes the establishment of the Drug Use Health and Safety Advisory Board in Vermont, which will consist of experts in various fields related to drug use and health care. The primary objective of this board is to determine benchmark personal use supplies for each regulated drug, aiming to reduce the criminalization associated with personal drug possession and use. The board will be composed of 13 members, including consumer representatives, harm reduction service providers, and experts in substance use disorder treatment and drug policy. The board is required to provide recommended quantities for benchmark personal use supplies by January 1, 2027, and will convene at least once a year to review and recommend amendments to these benchmarks.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding penalties for drug possession. It reduces the penalties for low-level drug possession violations, changing the maximum imprisonment from one year to six months and the maximum fine from $2,000 to $500. This change applies to various substances, including cocaine, LSD, heroin, and methamphetamine, among others. The bill also introduces new definitions and provisions related to the possession of hallucinogenic drugs and establishes a framework for the Department of Health to adopt rules regarding dosages. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-4231, 18-4232, 18-4233, 18-4234, 18-4234a, 18-4234b, 18-4235, 18-4235a