This information was compiled based on information from publicly available legislation, state memorandums or executive orders, state websites, and press releases, as well as supplemental interviews with state officials with a role in administering opioid settlement funding.
It offers a snapshot of settlement spending and priorities at the state level (e.g., funding administered by state agencies or designated statewide abatement funds) as well as laws, agreements, and processes that the state has established for allocating funds. NASHP does not track spending at the local or county level, but includes any relevant state-level reports or dashboards that capture local spending within a state. For details on the definitions used here, check out the definitions at the bottom of this page. You can also get an overview of opioid settlement decisions in all states.
Settlement Spending Status
Background
Vermont’s Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee and the Department of Health publish recommendations on disbursements from the state’s Opioid Abatement Fund to ultimately inform legislative appropriations. Status updates of projects ultimately funded are detailed in the department of health’s Settlement Funded Activities Status Report.
Has the state awarded settlement funds?
Yes. The FY 2025 appropriations include funding for existing and new syringe services, an overdose prevention center pilot program, housing supports, and contingency management, among other projects. The Settlement Activity Status Report updates frequently and includes more specific details on funded activities, including the approved budget and any timeline and status updates for the funded projects.
Has the state announced priorities or recommendations for spending?
Yes. The funding recommendations for fiscal year 2026 suggest that several projects funded in previous years continue to receive funding, including outreach and case management, the Burlington overdose prevention center, recovery residences, syringe service programs, and contingency management. Additionally, the recommendations suggest for 22 new awardees to receive funding — the committee released a funding opportunity, reviewed applications, and selected these awardees to be recommended to receive funding.
Previous spending details
Legislation in FY 2024 appropriated around $6.2 million to a variety of projects, including distribution of harm reduction materials (including naloxone and fentanyl test strips), satellite locations for dosing of medication for opioid use disorder, and a variety of treatment-based initiatives (hiring outreach workers, piloting telehealth wound care consultations, and contingency management for stimulant use disorder). Additionally, the Appropriations Committee authorized one further committee recommendation for drug-checking machines.
Statewide reporting of local spending
Not applicable.
State Settlement Website or Dashboard
Spending Plans and Agreements
Not applicable.
Process for Settlement Disbursement
Legislation requires that money in the 70 percent Statewide Abatement Fund be disbursed by the Department of Health, which may consider recommendations from an Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee.
State and Political Subdivision Split
Structure
Abatement-Fund Controlled (>50 percent of funding controlled by statewide abatement fund)
Allocation Formula
15 percent state, 15 percent subdivisions, 70 percent Statewide Abatement Fund
Role of Advisory Committee
The Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the Department of Health, governor, and General Assembly.
State Annual Report
Not applicable.
