Community Access

Can I provide input on spending?

• 70% Opioid Abatement Special Fund share: Yes (required). The Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee is subject to the state’s open meetings law, which requires an opportunity for public comment.[1] The Committee includes a dedicated public comment period at the end of each of its meetings, typically at the end of each agenda.[2] Visit the Advisory Committee’s website to find meeting dates and agendas and note future meeting dates, which are generally listed at the end of the “Meeting Minutes” for the most recent meeting. The Advisory Committee is required to meet at least quarterly but “not more” than six times per year.[3]

• 15% local share: Generally, yes. Though local governments are not required to seek public input as to opioid settlement spending specifically, the Vermont Open Meeting Law requires that they accept public comments during their public meetings.[4] Take advantage of this requirement by showing up to meetings of your local governing body and offering comments on local settlement spending.[5]

• 15% state share: No opportunities available. The state has not established recurring opportunities for the public to provide input on uses of its 15% share.[6]

Can I apply for grants?

Yes. The state has made grant funding available in the past and any current opportunities can be found here.[7] Local governments may create grant programs to distribute their share of funds. The existence, parameters, and processes for local settlement grant programs will vary by locality, so stay alert for new opportunities. Visit the Opioid Settlement Community Grants Portal (OpioidSettlementTracker.com and Legal Action Center) for the most up-to-date information on settlement grant opportunities for community organizations.

Where do I go for updates?

• For updates on the Opioid Abatement Special Fund share, visit the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee’s website, which links to the Department of Health’s Opioid Settlement Activity Status Report.

• To find updates on the local share, a good starting point is to check the websites for your county executive, city council, or local health department.

• A single resource containing updates specific to the state’s 15% share could not be found.[8] See the AG’s general Opioid Settlements page.

What else should I know?

Not applicable.

Citations

1. 18 V.S.A. Sec. 4772(f)(4) (providing that “All meetings of the Advisory Committee shall be consistent with Vermont’s Open Meeting Law”); 1 V.S.A. Sec. 312(h) (“At an open meeting, the public shall be given a reasonable opportunity to express its opinion on matters considered by the public body during the meeting, as long as order is maintained. Public comment shall be subject to reasonable rules established by the chairperson. This subsection shall not apply to quasi-judicial proceedings.”) ↑

2. See, e.g., Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee June 28, 2024 agenda. Vermont Department of Health (DOH) website. Accessed September 1, 2024. ↑

3. 18 V.S.A. Sec. 4772(f)(2). ↑

4. 1 V.S.A. Sec. 312(h) (“At an open meeting, the public shall be given a reasonable opportunity to express its opinion on matters considered by the public body during the meeting, as long as order is maintained. Public comment shall be subject to reasonable rules established by the chairperson. This subsection shall not apply to quasi-judicial proceedings”). See also 1 V.S.A. Sec. 310(6) (defining “public body” to include political subdivisions). ↑

5. Note that this may only be possible when settlement spending is related to “matters considered by the public body during the meeting.” 1 V.S.A. Sec. 312(h). ↑

6. If you see this change, email [e-mail]. ↑

7. Requests for Proposals, Information and Applications. Vermont DOH website. Accessed September 1, 2024. ↑

8. If you see this change, email [e-mail]. ↑