The proposed bill aims to establish syringe services programs in Nebraska, allowing municipalities and counties to authorize these programs through local ordinances or resolutions. The bill outlines the minimum services that such programs must provide, including access to sterile syringes, safe disposal of used syringes, and educational materials on substance use disorder prevention and treatment. Additionally, the bill specifies that these programs cannot be located within 500 feet of certain facilities, such as schools and childcare centers, and can only serve individuals aged 18 and older.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws regarding drug paraphernalia to include exceptions for staff and participants of the authorized syringe services programs. Specifically, it states that staff engaged in the provision or disposal of syringes and participants involved in the retrieval or disposal of syringes at program sites are not in violation of drug paraphernalia laws. The bill also clarifies that pharmacists and pharmacy staff selling hypodermic syringes for disease prevention are exempt from these laws. The original sections of the law being amended are repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-441, 28-442