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
The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), responsible for distributing settlement funding from the state’s share, is informed by an Opioid Advisory Council Strategic Plan and publishes reports that detail expenditures made from the state share each year. DHS is informed by the New Jersey Opioid Recovery and Remediation Advisory Council, which helps collect public input regarding opioid settlement spending and publishes recommendations to DHS on settlement spending and efforts to address gaps in broader opioid crisis response efforts.
Has the state awarded settlement funds?
Yes. The 2024 Annual Report highlights seven statewide programs that will receive funding over the next two to three years. The largest allocation ($24 million) will be used to expand harm reduction services at authorized harm reduction centers. Other allocations include scaling 24/7 connections to care from treatment providers ($19.5 million), expanding operations at peer recovery centers ($17.5 million), and bolstering the supported housing continuum ($17 million), among others.
Has the state announced priorities or recommendations for spending?
Yes. Alongside state agency partners and a university, the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Advisory Council released a strategic plan that will guide state opioid settlement investments over the next five years. The strategic plan focuses on investing in 12 strategies across the broader categories of housing, harm reduction, treatment, and wraparound services.
Previous spending details
The 2023 Annual Report highlights two programs funded as of June 30, 2023, from the state’s Opioid Recovery and Remediation Trust Fund. The first program, receiving $500,000, funds emergency response efforts related to opioid crisis, including responding to emerging threats such as xylazine. The second program, receiving $275,000, will develop a formalized strategic plan to inform council recommendations in the future.
Statewide reporting of local spending
Half of New Jersey’s settlement funding goes to participating subdivisions across the state. The state collects annual reports from these 262 counties and municipalities receiving settlement funding, publishing information on funds expended, programs funded, and any planning or engagement processes related to settlement spending.
State Settlement Website or Dashboard
Process for Settlement Disbursement
An executive order designates the Department of Human Services as the lead agency for disbursing the state share of settlement funding and creates an Opioid Recovery and Remediation Advisory Council to advise the department on spending. Legislation creates an Opioid Recovery and Remediation Trust Fund to hold the state share.
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 Opioid Recovery and Remediation Advisory Council provides recommendations to the Department of Human Services.
