This bill mandates that syringe service program entities in New Hampshire provide free disposal options for used syringes and related paraphernalia. It introduces new requirements for these entities, including conducting an annual marketing campaign to inform participants about disposal options and submitting quarterly reports to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) detailing compliance with disposal requirements and syringe return rates. The bill sets a goal for a 95 percent return rate of syringes, requiring programs that fall below this threshold for two consecutive quarters to submit a corrective action plan outlining strategies for improvement. Additionally, the DHHS is tasked with assessing performance and establishing a schedule of fines for non-compliance.

The bill also includes a provision that prohibits municipalities from enacting local ordinances that would restrict activities authorized by this legislation. The estimated fiscal impact indicates that while the bill does not provide funding or authorize new positions initially, it will necessitate the hiring of a full-time program specialist by the DHHS, with projected costs increasing from $115,000 in FY27 to $126,000 in FY29. Local expenditures related to syringe service programs are deemed indeterminable, as the impact will vary based on local budget allocations.

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
SB549 text: 318-B:43, 318:43-a