SB235 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bobby D. SingletonSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Health, Alabama Injection-Associated Infectious Disease Elimination Act, authorizing the establishment of local and state programs to combat spread of such diseases

Summary

The bill would create the Alabama Injection-Associated Infectious Disease Elimination Act to allow pilot programs in certain counties aimed at reducing HIV and HCV spread from injection drug use and to provide immunity to participants and program staff.

What This Bill Does

It would authorize the Department of Public Health or local health authorities to establish injection-associated infectious disease elimination pilot programs in counties with demonstrated need, for up to three years (extendable if there is ongoing need). The programs would provide safe disposal of used needles, free access to needles and other supplies (state funds not used to buy needles), educational materials, naloxone access or referrals, and referrals for medical, mental health, and substance-use treatment, while keeping participants' identities anonymous. It would issue official certificate cards to participants, require coordination with law enforcement about immunity, provide emergency care or referrals when needed, and grant criminal and civil immunity to participants, program staff, and associated personnel, with a presumption of immunity when the card is shown. The act also requires community consultation, voting approval in applicable areas, annual reporting to the Department of Public Health, and allows extension beyond three years if needed.

Who It Affects

• People who inject drugs who participate in the pilot programs, as they gain access to supplies, education, treatment referrals, and potential immunity.
• Law enforcement, health care providers, first responders, and other public safety personnel, who would interact with participants and operate under immunity and reporting requirements.
• Local health authorities and organizations administering the programs, including state and local public health staff and partner organizations.
• Residents of counties where a pilot program is implemented, as well as residents of incorporated areas or unincorporated areas that must approve the program by public vote before it begins.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the Department of Public Health or local health authorities to establish injection-associated infectious disease elimination pilot programs in counties with demonstrated need, for up to three years (extendable).
• Sets program objectives to reduce HIV, HCV, and other injection-associated infections; reduce needle-stick injuries to health care providers, law enforcement, and others; and encourage enrollment in evidence-based substance use treatment.
• Requires program operations to include safe disposal of used needles, free provision of needles/syringes (state funds not used to purchase them), educational materials on overdose prevention, disease and drug abuse prevention, and referrals for medical and mental health services; provides naloxone access or referrals.
• Provides personal consultations and referrals to services; ensures anonymous recordkeeping; notifies local law enforcement about the program and the limited immunity; issues official certificate cards to participants that signify immunity and aid identification by authorities.
• Grants criminal and civil immunity to program participants and to program staff, volunteers, and affiliated agencies when acting under the program, with immunity conditions including card presentation and procedural safeguards; allows for vicarious immunity under certain provisions.
• Requires consultation with law enforcement, prosecutors, treatment facilities, individuals who inject drugs, individuals in recovery, nonprofits, and area residents before establishing a program; mandates public voting approval for incorporated areas and county commissions for unincorporated areas.
• Mandates annual reporting to the Department of Public Health on: number served, needles dispensed/returned, naloxone distribution or referrals, and treatment/health service referrals.
• Allows extension beyond the initial three-year pilot if there is continued demonstrated need; clarifies that the act does not alter existing medical liability laws or create a standard of care.

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