Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Vermont House Bill H0856

Introduced

2/3/26

Refer

2/3/26

Caption

An act relating to possessing regulated drugs and establishing the Drug Use Health and Safety Advisory Board

Impact

The introduction of this bill signifies a shift in Vermont's approach to drug-related offenses. By establishing benchmarks for personal use, the legislation seeks to create a more nuanced understanding of drug possession that aligns with harm reduction principles. This would lead to a significant reduction in incarceration rates for individuals charged with low-level drug offenses, redirecting law enforcement efforts towards addressing more serious crimes rather than penalizing personal use behavior.

Summary

House Bill 0856 is proposed legislation aimed at reforming the legal treatment of drug possession in Vermont by establishing the Drug Use Health and Safety Advisory Board. This board is tasked with determining the benchmark personal use supply for each regulated drug, intending to reduce the criminalization associated with personal drug use and possession. A notable aspect of the bill is its intent to decrease the penalties for low-level drug possession violations, reducing them to a maximum of six months' imprisonment or a $500 fine, as well as converting low-level felony drug possession violations into misdemeanor offenses.

Contention

The bill's content is likely to spur debate among legislators, particularly regarding the balance between public safety and individual liberties. Supporters may argue that these reforms can lead to better health outcomes for those struggling with addiction, while opponents could raise concerns about the possible implications of reduced penalties on drug use exacerbating public health issues. The formation of the Drug Use Health and Safety Advisory Board may also be scrutinized regarding its composition and the validity of its recommended benchmarks.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VT SB3137

Relating To The Department Of Health's Authority To Regulate Food, Drugs, And Cosmetics.

VT HB2317

Relating To The Department Of Health's Authority To Regulate Food, Drugs, And Cosmetics.

VT HB1269

In administrative organization, further providing for advisory boards and commissions; and, in powers and duties of the Department of Health and its departmental administrative and advisory boards, establishing the Brain Injury Advisory Board.

VT SB119

Creates provisions relating to the possession and delivery of abortifacient drugs

VT HB1285

Health - Opioid Overdose Reversal Drugs - Possession, Storage, and Administration Past Expiration Date

VT SB256

(New Title) establishing safety and care requirements for clinician-administered drugs.

VT SB444

Establishing 3-year mandatory prison sentence for person convicted of illegal possession of Schedule I and Schedule II drugs

VT SB245

Establishing the Regulatory Sandbox Program, the Regulatory Relief Office and an advisory committee; and providing for their powers and duties.

VT HB1020

Colorimetric Field Drug Tests in Drug Possessions

VT SB34

Establishing 3-year mandatory prison sentence for person convicted of illegal possession of Schedule I and Schedule II drugs

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TX SB2312

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HI HCR179

Urging The aha Moku Advisory Committee To Follow Its Adopted Rules Of Practice, Fulfill Its Statutory Duties, Establish Policies To Assure Consistent Standards Of Administrative And Managerial Accountability; And Convening A Working Group To Make Recommendations.

HI HR169

Urging The aha Moku Advisory Committee To Follow Its Adopted Rules Of Practice, Fulfill Its Statutory Duties, Including Complying With The Sunshine Law, Conduct A Performance Review Of Its Executive Director, And Establish Policies To Assure Consistent Standards Of Administrative And Managerial Accountability; And Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct A Comprehensive Performance And Financial Audit Of The aha Moku Advisory Committee.