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
Maryland’s Opioid Restitution Fund Advisory Council is responsible for making yearly recommendations for the use of funding from the Opioid Restitution Fund, which holds all settlement funding awarded to the state. These recommendations synthesize data from meetings and listening sessions held by the advisory council, as well as public comments. Maryland’s Office of Opioid Response (MOOR), housed within the state Department of Health, considers these recommendations and makes expenditures from the state share and state abatement fund, publishing a summary of yearly activities and expenditures an annual report.
Has the state awarded settlement funds?
Yes. According to the fiscal year 2025 abatement fund award summary, MOOR awarded 28 grants totaling $12.4 million during a 2024 funding opportunity. Several projects include support for expanding access to treatment among primary care providers, peer recovery support for individuals with substance use disorder in the criminal justice system, and health care support for individuals experiencing homelessness, among others.
Has the state announced priorities or recommendations for spending?
Previous spending details
Not applicable.
Statewide reporting of local spending
The fiscal year 2024 report highlights that over $58 million was distributed through the targeted abatement fund, which is awarded to local participating subdivisions. Fund recipients are required to report on expenditures and performance metrics, such as “recipients of substance use disorder screening services” and “overdose reversal medication kits distributed.” MOOR also published recommendations specific to local governments on how settlements should be spent.
State Settlement Website or Dashboard
Process for Settlement Disbursement
State and Political Subdivision Split
Structure
Abatement-Fund Controlled (>50 percent of funding controlled by statewide abatement fund)
Allocation Formula
15 percent state, 60 percent Targeted Abatement Subfund (broken down into: 15% Discretionary Abatement Fund, 45% Targeted Abatement Grants to Subdivisions), 25% local abatement funds
Role of Advisory Committee
The Opioid Restitution Fund Advisory Council makes recommendations to the governor to inform the governor’s recommendations to the General Assembly.
