The bill amends Chapter 23-12.10 of the General Laws, changing its title to "HARM REDUCTION CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND PROGRAM" and extending the sunset provision of the pilot program aimed at preventing drug overdoses through harm reduction centers from March 1, 2026, to March 1, 2028. The bill establishes that harm reduction centers will serve as community-based resources for health screening, disease prevention, and recovery assistance, allowing individuals to safely consume pre-obtained substances under the supervision of healthcare professionals.

The bill emphasizes the requirement for municipal authorization and approval before any harm reduction center can operate, detailing the necessary steps for local government approval, including the exact location and hours of operation. It mandates that by January 31, 2028, the director of the department of health and the attorney general must submit a report to state leadership, which includes, at a minimum, the number of individuals served by each harm reduction center; the number of individuals connected to health services by each harm reduction center; and any data relating to the occurrence of and/or prevention of overdoses or deaths associated with each harm reduction center, as well as recommendations regarding the continuation of the provisions of this chapter.

Statutes affected:
462: 23-12.10-1, 23-12.10-6