NC H712

State Bureau of Investigation shall establish and implement a used needle and hypodermic syringe disposal pilot program by December 1, 2015, in consultation with the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition to reduce transmission of HIV, AIDS, viral hepatitis, and other bloodborne diseases.

Pilot program shall initially operate in two counties but may expand to up to four counties total after successful demonstration, with coordination between state investigators, local health departments, and local law enforcement agencies.

Persons participating in the pilot program receive limited immunity from prosecution for possession of drug paraphernalia or residual controlled substances in used needles or syringes that are returned and disposed of through the program.

Program must include reasonable security for disposal sites, accounting of needles returned, and reporting on availability of educational materials, HIV/viral hepatitis testing, and drug abuse treatment referral services in participating counties.

State Bureau of Investigation shall report results to legislative oversight committees within one year; if successful, may recommend extending the pilot for an additional year and expanding to two additional counties, with program expiring upon submission of final report.