VERMONT SENATE GIVES INITIAL APPROVAL TO H.72, AN ACT RELATING TO A HARM-REDUCTION CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESPONSE TO DRUG USE
MONTPELIER, VT – Today the Vermont Senate gave initial approval to H.72, an act relating to a harm-reduction criminal justice response to drug use, on a tripartisan vote of 21-8. This bill will allow for the creation of an overdose prevention center pilot to prevent fatal overdoses, provide access to harm-reduction services (including sterile equipment, drug-checking, and naloxone), reduce pressures on emergency rooms and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and to provide access to referrals for substance use disorder treatment.
“It’s imperative we do everything we can to address the opioid epidemic in Vermont with evidence-based approaches,” said Senator Phil Baruth. “Overdose prevention centers save lives, connect people to treatment, and reduce drug use and discarded supplies in public areas. I’m proud of the Senate for its work advancing this important legislation this year.”
According to the most recent data from the Vermont Department of Health (VDH), the number of opioid-related fatal overdoses increased 10 percent from 2021 to 2022. Of the 243 Vermont residents who died of an opioid overdose in 2022, nearly all were classified as being of accidental or undetermined intent. Data also show that fentanyl is the most prevalent substance involved in opioid-related deaths, and was involved in 93 percent of opioid-related fatal overdoses in 2022.
H.72 permits the creation of an overdose prevention center in Burlington, either at a fixed location or a mobile facility, supervised by health care professionals or other trained staff. It provides a person the ability to consume pre-obtained drugs and medication for substance use disorder with access to harm reduction supplies, drug-checking services, addiction treatment, medical services, and overdose reversal medications.
“H.72 creates a state legal framework and guidance process for the creation of overdose prevention centers, funds a pilot project in Burlington, and commits to robust research and evaluation on the topic,” said Senator Ginny Lyons, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare and reporter of the bill. “With a robust body of research finding multiple positive impacts of overdose prevention centers and no negative ones, it’s time for us to move forward.”
You can read more on H.72 on the legislative website.