The bill amends the Public Health Code by adding a new section, 5137, which allows individuals to establish needle and hypodermic syringe access programs with authorization from the department or local government agencies. These programs aim to distribute sterile needles and hypodermic syringes to individuals and provide additional services to reduce the spread of communicable diseases. The bill also stipulates that individuals participating in these programs are not in violation of existing laws regarding the possession or distribution of drug paraphernalia or controlled substances, provided they meet certain criteria outlined in the new section.

Additionally, the bill makes several amendments to existing sections, including changes to the language regarding penalties for drug-related offenses. Notably, it modifies the wording in sections 7401 and 7403 to clarify the conditions under which individuals may be exempt from prosecution for drug possession when seeking medical assistance. The bill also introduces provisions that protect health professionals who sell drug paraphernalia in their professional capacity and ensures that objects provided by government programs for preventing the transmission of infectious agents are exempt from certain restrictions.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 333.7401