Bill > SB255

This bill, the Harm Reduction Act, amends the existing Harm Reduction Act in several key ways: 1. It expands the purpose of the Act to include intervening in non-intravenous drug use to reduce the development of intravenous drug use, and preventing drug overdoses resulting from the presence of adulterants like fentanyl. 2. It broadens the definition of "participant" to include any drug user who receives supplies for the safe preparation and consumption of controlled substances, not just intravenous drug users. 3. It requires the Department of Health to establish and administer a program to provide supplies for the safe injection, smoking, and inhalation of controlled substances, in addition to the existing syringe exchange program. 4. It provides immunity from criminal liability for the exchange or possession of items necessary for the safe consumption of controlled substances, such as syringes and pipes, when done in compliance with the program. 5. It amends the Controlled Substances Act to exclude supplies used for the safe consumption of controlled substances from the definition of unlawful drug paraphernalia. The overall goal of the bill is to expand harm reduction efforts, beyond just preventing the transmission of bloodborne diseases, to also address the dangers of adulterated drugs and the progression to intravenous use.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/legislation.aspx?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=255&year=21