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 outlines the requirements for reporting overdose data to the Office of Drug Control Policy, including details such as the date and time of the overdose, the location, and the substances involved. It emphasizes the importance of timely reporting by various entities, including healthcare providers and law enforcement agencies, and ensures that those reporting in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability. Furthermore, the data collected will be made available to relevant stakeholders and will be compiled into a public-facing dashboard to enhance transparency and inform resource allocation in addressing substance use disorders.

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