The bill amends the Harm Reduction Act to establish an Overdose Prevention Program alongside the existing Harm Reduction Program, aimed at reducing overdose mortality and other negative health outcomes associated with drug use. Key provisions include the requirement for the Department of Health to create and administer the Overdose Prevention Program by January 1, 2027, and to develop rules for both programs. The bill also emphasizes the importance of data collection and evaluation, while ensuring participant confidentiality by prohibiting the collection of full names or addresses, except as required by law for medical treatment.

Additionally, the bill introduces protections against civil and criminal liability for individuals and entities acting in good faith under the Harm Reduction Act. This includes immunity from prosecution under the Controlled Substances Act and protection from disciplinary actions by professional licensing boards, among other safeguards. The legislation also clarifies that the operation of facilities providing harm reduction and overdose prevention services will not be considered a public or private nuisance, thereby encouraging the establishment of such programs without fear of legal repercussions.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 24-2C-1, 24-2C-3, 24-2C-4, 24-2C-5