HB 2438 Summary

• Requires each county to establish an Angel Initiative Program at the county seat in conjunction with the governor's office of youth, faith and family, allowing persons to surrender controlled substances and drug paraphernalia to local police while seeking drug addiction treatment.

• Counties may establish additional Angel Initiative Programs in other locations throughout the county based on need as determined by the county and local public health authority.

• Establishes minimum eligibility criteria including being 18 years or older, providing valid identification, attesting willingness to follow staff directions and participate in detoxification, and meeting physical and mental health standards for self-care in a nonmedical facility.

• Prohibits prosecution for possession or use of controlled substances or drug paraphernalia if the evidence was obtained as a result of seeking drug addiction treatment in good faith through an Angel Initiative Program.

• Counties must collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to prescribe operational standards for the programs.