HB37 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 up to 3 years.

• Programs must provide free needles and syringes, safe disposal of used equipment, educational materials on overdose and disease prevention, naloxone kits, and referrals to substance abuse and mental health treatment.

• Grants limited criminal immunity to active program participants possessing needles and syringes obtained from the program under specified drug possession statutes when presenting a wallet certificate card.

• Provides civil and criminal immunity to program employees, volunteers, health care providers, and other contributors for liability arising from program participation, affiliation, or provision of services.

• Requires local health authorities to report annually to the Department of Public Health on participants served, supplies distributed, naloxone kits distributed, and treatment referrals provided; programs may continue beyond 3 years if demonstrated need continues.