The bill proposes the repeal of sections 579.040 and 579.076 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and enacts three new sections, including section 191.1011, which establishes a registration process for entities wishing to operate syringe access programs. These programs aim to reduce health risks associated with unsterile injection drug use. To be eligible for registration, entities must have a collaborative agreement with an organization that provides mental health and substance use treatment options. Additionally, registered entities are prohibited from operating within 500 feet of any school building unless the school was established after the entity began operations at that location. The bill also amends the definitions of unlawful distribution and manufacture of drug paraphernalia to include exemptions for registered entities and their staff involved in syringe access programs. Specifically, it states that any entity registered under section 191.1011 that possesses, distributes, or delivers hypodermic needles or syringes for the purpose of operating a syringe access program, as well as their staff, volunteers, or participants, are exempt from the provisions regarding unlawful distribution and manufacture of drug paraphernalia. The penalties for unlawful delivery and manufacture remain classified as a class A misdemeanor unless conducted for commercial purposes, in which case they are classified as a class E felony.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (4213H.01): 191.1011, 579.040, 579.076