This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by expanding the Law-Enforcement-Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program to include felonies in circuit courts. The new provision will allow for diversions related to drug-related charges and will incorporate a peer-to-peer based model. Additionally, it mandates that Day Report Centers provide drug screens, while tests from other drug screen centers may also be accepted.

The bill also emphasizes the importance of data collection and reporting related to substance use and overdose incidents. It requires various entities, including healthcare providers and law enforcement agencies, to report specific information about overdoses to the Office of Drug Control Policy. The data collected will be made available through a public-facing dashboard, which will include comprehensive information on funded programs, trends in overdose incidents, and the effectiveness of various substance use disorder initiatives. This dashboard is intended to enhance transparency and support evidence-based decision-making in addressing substance use issues in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-5T-4