HB579 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Patricia Todd

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Public Health Department, authorized to establish a needle and syringe exchange program under certain conditions

Summary

HB579 would authorize Alabama's Department of Public Health to create a state needle and syringe exchange program and allow local programs, with educational resources and links to treatment and reporting.

What This Bill Does

The bill would let the Alabama Department of Public Health establish a needle and syringe exchange program and authorize local programs through health departments or other local groups. It requires the program to be part of HIV prevention efforts, provide free and confidential exchanges, give each returning participant an equal number of needles and syringes, and supply first-time users with a packet of 30 needles/syringes plus educational material and a list of counseling services. It also requires HIV education, assistance in obtaining drug treatment, monitoring of program metrics, and quarterly reporting; participants would be protected from certain drug paraphernalia charges when using the program.

Who It Affects

• People who use or inject drugs who participate in the program, who would receive free, confidential needle/syringe exchanges, educational materials, and help connecting to treatment, along with legal protection from certain paraphernalia charges.
• Local health departments or other local organizations that would operate needle/syringe exchange programs under the state authorization and must report data and coordinate with HIV prevention efforts.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the Alabama Department of Public Health to establish a needle and syringe exchange program and to authorize local programs through local health departments or other local organizations.
• Programs must be integrated into existing HIV prevention efforts, provide free and confidential exchanges, and give participants an equal number of needles/syringes for items returned.
• First-time applicants receive an initial packet of 30 needles/syringes, educational materials, and a list of drug counseling services.
• Programs must offer education on HIV transmission and prevention, and assist participants in obtaining drug treatment services.
• The department must monitor return rates, participation rates, and the number of participants motivated to enter treatment, including their treatment status.
• Organizations running the program must submit quarterly reports evaluating effectiveness.
• Participants may not be found guilty of possession of drug paraphernalia for receiving or returning needles/syringes under the program.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Public Health Department