Syringe Access Bill Signed Into Law

Syringe Access Bill Signed Into Law

August 3, 2010 - Legislation supported by the City Bar's Committee on AIDS and Committee on Drugs and the Law was signed by the Governor last week which will eliminate a gap in legal protections for individuals participating in syringe exchange programs.

Syringe Access Bill Signed Into Law

Legislation supported by the City Bar's Committee on AIDS and Committee on Drugs and the Law was signed by the Governor last week which will eliminate a gap in legal protections for individuals participating in syringe exchange programs. Syringe exchange programs have been shown to be effective in helping to stop the spread of HIV and other blood-borne diseases, however current law makes it possible for participants in these programs to be arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. This new legislation will close this loop-hole by de-criminalizing possession of a hypodermic syringe or needle that is lawfully possessed but contains a residual amount of a controlled substance.

August 3, 2010