SB169 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bobby D. SingletonSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Injection-Associated infectious disease elimination, pilot programs by Dept. of Public Health and local health authorities authorized, limited criminal immunity granted

Summary

SB 169 would authorize Alabama public health authorities to create injection-associated infectious disease elimination pilot programs in certain counties, with immunity protections to participants and program staff to encourage participation and reduce HIV and HCV transmission.

What This Bill Does

The bill lets the Department of Public Health or local health authorities establish injection-associated infectious disease elimination pilot programs in counties with a demonstrated need. It sets guidelines for these pilots, including safe needle disposal, providing needles at no cost (not funded by state money for needles), education on overdose and disease prevention, naloxone access or referrals, and referrals to treatment and mental health services. It provides limited criminal immunity to people who inject drugs who actively participate (shown by a wallet card) and broad civil immunity for program staff, volunteers, and sponsoring entities for actions related to the program. It requires annual reporting to the Department on program results and allows the pilot to run up to three years with possible renewal if there is ongoing demonstrated need.

Who It Affects

• People who inject drugs in participating counties: may access clean needles/syringes, educational materials, naloxone, and referrals to treatment, with potential immunity if they participate and carry a wallet card.
• Health care providers, law enforcement officers, first responders, and the general public: benefit from reduced needle-stick injuries and clearer immunity protections for program-related activities.
• Local health authorities and the Department of Public Health: authorized to establish, operate, and oversee pilots, collect data, maintain confidentiality, and provide immunity protections for program staff and participants.
• Counties identified as having demonstrated need (often rural areas): targeted to implement and evaluate these pilot programs.
• Partner organizations and health care providers: may participate in program activities and receive immunity for their involvement.

Key Provisions

• Establish the Alabama Injection-Associated Infectious Disease Elimination Act and authorize pilot programs in counties with demonstrated need.
• Pilot programs may operate for up to three years, with extension if there is continued demonstrated need.
• Program objectives include reducing the spread of HIV, HCV, and other injection-associated diseases; reducing needle-stick injuries; and encouraging treatment for substance use disorders.
• Required program operations: safe disposal of needles; provision of needles/syringes at no cost (state funds not used to purchase supplies); educational materials on overdose prevention, disease prevention, and treatment referrals; access to naloxone or referrals to naloxone programs; personal consultations for treatment; anonymous recordkeeping; and notification of local law enforcement about the program and immunity.
• wallet certificate cards provided to participants to prove immunity and identify participants for program staff; emergency medical care or referrals provided as needed; compliance with confidentiality laws.
• Immunity provisions: active drug-using participants receive limited criminal immunity when using the program and carrying a wallet card; program staff, volunteers, and contributing entities receive broad civil and criminal immunity related to program activities; protections extend to related personnel and organizations.
• Before establishing a program, local parties such as law enforcement, prosecutors, treatment facilities, people who inject drugs, individuals in recovery, nonprofits, and residents may be consulted.
• The act does not create a standard of care or modify existing medical liability laws.

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

Subjects

Diseases