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
Informed by the State Opioid and Overdose Response Plan within the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), the state legislature has decision-making authority over the share of settlement funds coming to the state. HCA also supports sharing of best practices related to opioid settlement spending by operating the State Opioid and Overdose Response Plan Learning Community, where states, Tribes, and local governments can convene and work through common challenges and successes.
Has the state awarded settlement funds?
Yes. According to the list of opioid settlement allocations for 2023–2025, over $64 million was allocated from the state share of settlement funding. Over $15 million went directly to Tribes, as authorized by the Tribal set–aside, which allocates 20 percent of the state’s settlement funds directly to Tribes. Additional awards included funding for recovery residence support, employment and educational services for people with substance use disorder, law enforcement-assisted diversion, and medication for opioid use disorder in jails, among other examples.
Has the state announced priorities or recommendations for spending?
No publicly available information.
Previous spending details
Not applicable.
Statewide reporting of local spending
Not applicable.
State Settlement Website or Dashboard
Spending Plans and Agreements
Process for Settlement Disbursement
As the steward of the state’s preexisting annual State Opioid and Overdose Response Plan, the Health Care Authority is the lead agency responsible for the distribution of settlement funds. The legislature must approve the Health Care Authority’s spending plans.
State and Political Subdivision Split
Structure
Split (no institution controls more than 50 percent of funds)
Allocation Formula
50 percent state, 50 percent local governments
Role of Advisory Committee
The State Opioid and Overdose Response Plan executive sponsors review recommendations from work groups and make recommendations to the governor. The governor’s budget includes recommendations for use of the funds for consideration and approval by the legislature.
State Annual Report
Not applicable.
