HB 455 Summary

• Establishes the Alabama Injection-Associated Infectious Disease Elimination Act authorizing the Department of Public Health and local health authorities to create pilot programs in counties with demonstrated need for HIV and HCV prevention.

• Pilot programs must provide free needles and syringes, safe disposal of used injection equipment, educational materials on overdose prevention and treatment referrals, naloxone kits, and counseling services; state funds cannot purchase injection supplies.

• Grants limited criminal immunity from drug possession charges (Sections 13A-12-202 through 13A-12-281) to active program participants who provide a wallet certificate card proving enrollment.

• Extends civil and criminal immunity to program employees, volunteers, health care providers, law enforcement, and other entities participating in or supporting the programs.

• Requires local health authorities to submit annual reports to the Department of Public Health documenting individuals served, supplies dispensed, naloxone distributed, and treatment referrals; pilot programs may continue beyond three years if demonstrated need continues.