SENATE BILL NO. 308

AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE

(Proposed by the Senate Committee on Education and Health

on January 29, 2026)

(Patron Prior to Substitute—Senator Pekarsky)

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 32.1-45.5, relating to Department of Health; reduction of drug overdose and drug overdose deaths; report.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 32.1-45.5 as follows:

§ 32.1-45.5. Department to be lead agency to reduce rates of drug overdose and drug overdose deaths.

A. The Department shall serve as the lead agency for coordination of activities to reduce rates of drug overdose and drug overdose deaths, including opioids, in the Commonwealth. In carrying out its duties, the Department shall (i) develop a strategic plan to reduce rates of drug overdose and drug overdose deaths in the Commonwealth, (ii) coordinate efforts across state agencies to reduce rates of drug overdose and drug overdose deaths in the Commonwealth, and (iii) monitor the implementation and outcome of efforts to reduce rates of drug overdose and drug overdose deaths in the Commonwealth. The Department shall revise the plan developed pursuant to this subsection every five years to reflect changing priorities for the reduction of rates of drug overdose and drug overdose deaths in the Commonwealth.

B. The Department shall work with the Secretaries of Health and Human Resources, Education, and Public Safety and Homeland Security and such other stakeholders and state agencies as may be appropriate.

C. The Department shall report annually to the General Assembly by November 1 regarding the implementation of the plan and outcome of efforts to reduce rates of drug overdose and drug overdose deaths in the Commonwealth.