Vermont Business Magazine The House on Wednesday passed H.222 with tri-partisan support, an omnibus overdose response bill that seeks to reverse the trend of fatal overdose in Vermont. The bill seeks to address the state’s record-breaking amount of overdoses in recent years by decriminalizing buprenorphine, establishing a statewide syringe disposal program, increasing equitable access to treatment, and removing barriers to recovery housing development.
"Vermont has experienced its third record-breaking year of fatal overdoses due to service disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and increased prevalence of fentanyl and other contaminants in the illicit drug supply. This is a public health crisis that demands a comprehensive response, and I am proud of the bill that the House passed today," said Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski. "This bill builds on previous legislation and investments that seek to reverse our devastating trend of fatal overdoses in Vermont. I am hoping that the critical resources in this bill and our proposed state budget, will provide the support needed in our committees to address immediate substance use needs and address the root causes of this crisis."
“Fatal overdose is an epidemic, and yet there remain unnecessary barriers in our service systems. While we cannot undo the loss felt by countless Vermonters, we can help our neighbors struggling with substance use disorder by increasing access to treatment and recovery,” said Rep. Dane Whitman, lead sponsor of H.222. “I believe that Vermont can again lead the country in saving lives, just as we did in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. But first, we have some catching up to do. Even with the passage of H.222 our work will be far from over. I am proud that so many of our state’s leaders and community members have dedicated their lives to supporting our fellow Vermonters, including those with substance use disorder.”
This legislation makes buprenorphine decriminalization permanent and removes barriers to treatment for those on Medicaid. It also removes zoning barriers for recovery housing, establishes a statewide syringe disposal program, and funds services through updated fees on pharmaceutical manufacturers. The bill also strengthens liability protections for syringe service providers, modernizes the Narcan statute, and establishes a definition of recovery residence.
You can learn more about H.222 - An act relating to reducing overdoses here.
3.29.2023. Montpelier. Speaker. Speaker’s Website
