Vermont House approves pilot for overdose prevention centers, 96–35

Montpelier — The Vermont House on Jan. 10 approved an amended version of House Bill 72, a pilot program to authorize overdose prevention centers, by a roll-call vote of 96 to 35.

The measure, as amended, directs the Vermont Department of Health to develop operating guidelines and to receive and approve applications for up to two pilot overdose prevention centers. It establishes immunity limited to possession and the use (and derivative use of evidence) connected to approved centers for participants, staff, and property owners, requires public annual reporting on participants and overdoses reversed, and authorizes grant funding to support fixed or mobile sites. The amendment increased initial pilot funding to $2,000,000 and shifted a $300,000 study appropriation to the opioid abatement special fund; the bill also raises the prescription drug manufacturer fee from 1.75% to 2.25% (estimated to raise about $1.3 million annually) to help fund grants.

Representative Small…