This bill amends sections 28-441 and 28-442 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, to establish and regulate syringe services programs in Nebraska. It allows municipalities and counties to authorize these programs through ordinances or resolutions, ensuring they provide essential services such as access to sterile syringes, safe disposal of used syringes, and educational materials on substance use disorder. The bill also sets restrictions on the location of these programs, prohibiting them from being situated within 500 feet of certain facilities, and limits services to individuals aged 18 and older.

Additionally, the bill introduces exceptions to penalties under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act concerning drug paraphernalia. Specifically, it clarifies that staff and participants of authorized syringe services programs are exempt from violations related to the possession and disposal of syringes and needles while engaged in program activities. The bill also modifies existing language to include pharmacists and pharmacy staff in the list of those exempt from penalties when selling hypodermic syringes for disease prevention. The original sections 28-441 and 28-442 are repealed as part of this legislative update.

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