HB 92 Summary

• Authorizes boards of health to establish syringe exchange programs to reduce transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C among injection drug users.

• Requires programs to provide sterile syringes in exchange for used ones, dispose of needles properly, provide safety education, counseling, and refer participants to substance abuse treatment and mental health services.

• Mandates boards maintain participant anonymity, issue wallet certificates to active participants, and consult with law enforcement, prosecutors, addiction programs, residents, and other stakeholders before establishing a program.

• Grants criminal immunity to program employees and volunteers for possession and distribution of syringes, and protects participating injection drug users within 1,000 feet of program facilities who carry valid wallet certificates.

• Allows boards to contract with nonprofit organizations for up to one year at a time to operate programs, and requires annual reporting on program details.