Vermont H0856 amends drug possession laws and establishes a Drug Use Health and Safety Advisory Board.

Vermont H0856 amends drug possession laws to decrease penalties for low-level drug possession violations to misdemeanor offenses. It also establishes the Drug Use Health and Safety Advisory Board, composed of experts and consumer representatives, to determine benchmark personal use supplies for regulated drugs. The goal is to prevent and reduce the criminalization of personal drug possession and use. The Advisory Board will recommend benchmark supplies, which the Department of Health will consider when adopting rules. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Vermont H0856 amends drug possession laws and establishes a Drug Use Health and Safety Advisory Board.

Vermont H0856 amends drug possession laws to decrease penalties for low-level drug possession violations to misdemeanor offenses. It also establishes the Drug Use Health and Safety Advisory Board, composed of experts and consumer representatives, to determine benchmark personal use supplies for regulated drugs. The goal is to prevent and reduce the criminalization of personal drug possession and use. The Advisory Board will recommend benchmark supplies, which the Department of Health will consider when adopting rules. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.