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 Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Board submits yearly recommendations for settlement spending to be reviewed by the governor, president of the Senate, speaker of the Assembly, and chairs of several legislative committees. Settlement funding for the year is then allocated based on which recommendations are approved by these groups. The opioid settlement fund tracker houses information on allocations and overviews of funded initiatives to date, beginning in fiscal year 2023.
Has the state awarded settlement funds?
Yes. The state’s Opioid Settlement Fund Tracker details funded initiatives, the number of awards distributed to the initiatives, and award amounts. The largest awards from the state share in fiscal year 2024, aside from regional abatement allocations and an allocation to the Department of Health, include comprehensive low-threshold buprenorphine services, naloxone, and transitional safety units.
Has the state announced priorities or recommendations for spending?
Yes. The 2024 Annual Report ranks broad abatement categories to receive opioid settlement funding, with top priorities including harm reduction, grassroots organizations working with populations disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis, and treatment. Under each abatement priority, the board provides specific examples of what funded initiatives could look like. Additionally, the board highlights some non-fundable recommendations for the governor and state, including declaring a public health emergency and developing of a cross-agency strategic plan.
Previous spending details
The largest awards from the state share in 2023, aside from the regional abatement allocations, included a professional scholarship program, expansion of syringe service programs, and funding for transitional safety units and recovery community and outreach centers. Additionally, the 2023 Annual Report ranked broad abatement categories to receive opioid settlement funding, with top priorities including investment across service continuum, in harm reduction, and in recovery. In 2023, the board also highlighted the need and desire to prioritize communities of color and maintain a focus on co-occurring disorders among its general guiding principles and overarching themes.
Statewide reporting of local spending
Not applicable.
State Settlement Website or Dashboard
Legislation
Spending Plans and Agreements
Process for Settlement Disbursement
A Settlement Sharing Agreement designates the Office of Addiction Services and Supports as the lead state agency for the Opioid Settlement Fund, and legislation creates an advisory board within the department to provide spending recommendations to the state legislature.
State and Political Subdivision Split
Structure
Split (no institution controls more than 50 percent of funds)
Allocation Formula
17.5 percent state; 16.39 percent Opioid Settlement Fund, specifically for regional spending; 20 percent Opioid Settlement Fund for discretionary spending; 5.4 percent subdivisions unrestricted; 5.4 percent subdivisions for approved uses; 6.68 percent Nassau County; 8.63 percent Suffolk County; 20 percent New York City
Role of Advisory Committee
The Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Board makes recommendations to the governor, the president of the Senate, the speaker of the Assembly, and the chairs of several legislative committees.
