UPDATED TO INCLUDE QUOTE FROM GOV. SUNUNU
Click to read Senate Bill 234
By Press release
Concord – Today, Governor Chris Sununu will sign SB 234, relative to hypodermic syringes and needles containing residual amounts of controlled drugs and authorizing the operation of syringe service programs in New Hampshire.
“The drug crisis is the most serious public health and safety issue facing New Hampshire and it remains critical that we continue supporting investments and resources in law enforcement, but also in prevention, treatment and recovery programs, which is why I am proud to sign SB 234 into law today, establishing a statewide needle exchange program,” Sununu said. “There is no doubt that this bill will save lives.”
From SB 234:
SPONSORS: Sen. Gray, Dist 6; Sen. Watters, Dist 4
COMMITTEE: Health and Human Services
METHODOLOGY:
This bill exempts residual amounts of controlled substances in hypodermic syringes and needles from certain provisions under RSA 318:B. This bill also authorizes persons, other than pharmacists, to dispense hypodermic syringes and needles by allowing them to be sold in certain retail establishments through identified self-funded entities to operate syringe service programs.
The Department of Health and Human Services anticipates costs associated with program development and maintenance, database development and data storage, rulemaking, and for hiring one full-time Program Planner III to carry out program functions. Per the Department, there would be an indeterminable increase to expenditures overall, but estimates position costs to be $82,000 (includes one-time equipment expenditures) in FY 2018, $81,000 in FY 2019, $85,000 in FY 2020, and $89,000 in FY 2021. The Office of Professional Licensure and Certification states administratively attached boards do not regulate syringe dispensing; therefore, there would be no fiscal impact to the agency.