Delaware commission would approve spending from two opioid funds

The opioid commission would approve and distribute money from the two funds. The money comes from Delaware’s Prescription Opioid Settlement Fund and Prescription Opioid Impact Fund. It may go out through grants, contracts, or payments to state agencies and local governments. Commission decisions require a majority vote at a public meeting with enough members present. The State Treasurer would release money after the required officials authorize it. The commission must explain in writing when it denies a grant or funding to a state or local government. It may offer the applicant a chance to revise and reapply.

The Behavioral Health Consortium would have 25 members. Members include the chair of the Maternal and Child Death Review Committee and a veteran who served on active duty and was affected by behavioral health issues in Delaware. Governor-appointed members may serve no more than three terms or six years, whether the terms are consecutive or not. Appointment leaders may use shorter terms so members’ terms end at different times.