VT H0218

Appropriates approximately $9.9 million from Vermont's Opioid Abatement Special Fund for fiscal year 2026, including $1,976,000 for 26 outreach/case management positions, $1,400,000 for certified recovery residences, $1,100,000 for a Burlington overdose prevention center, and $850,000 each for syringe services and employment services for individuals with opioid use disorder.

Funds programs across multiple agencies targeting substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services, including youth intervention programs, peer support specialists, wound care in shelters, parenting support, and judicial training on opioid-related issues.

Requires all grant recipients to collect and report outcome and measurement data to the issuing department and the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee, with future funding recommendations to be informed by previous grantee outcomes.

Updates statutory terminology throughout 18 V.S.A. chapter 93, replacing "medication-assisted treatment" with "medication for opioid use disorder" to reflect current clinical terminology.

Modifies the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee structure by requiring annual election of a vice chair from nongovernmental members and requiring written recommendations to address how each proposal meets fund expenditure criteria.