This bill mandates that syringe service program entities in New Hampshire provide free disposal options for used syringes and needles. It introduces new requirements for these entities, including the obligation to conduct an annual marketing campaign to inform participants about the disposal options available. Additionally, the bill establishes quarterly reporting requirements, where entities must report their compliance with the disposal provisions and provide calculated return rates of used syringes. If an entity reports a return rate below 95 percent for two consecutive quarters, it must submit a corrective action plan detailing strategies to improve the return rate.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits municipalities from enacting local ordinances that would restrict the activities authorized by this legislation. The Department of Health will assess the performance of syringe service programs over rolling four-quarter periods and may impose fines for failure to comply with reporting or corrective action requirements. The effective date of the act is set for 90 days after its passage, which is August 26, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 318-B:43, 318:43-a
As Amended by the Senate: 318:43-a
Version adopted by both bodies: 318:43-a
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 318:43-a
SB549 text: 318-B:43, 318:43-a