Bill > HB5178

This bill amends the Public Health Code to provide for needle and hypodermic syringe access programs. The key provisions are: 1. Allows the Department of Health or local government agencies to authorize the establishment of needle and syringe access programs to distribute sterile needles and provide other services to decrease the spread of communicable diseases. 2. Exempts individuals participating in these authorized programs from criminal penalties for possession of needles, syringes, drug paraphernalia, controlled substances, or xylazine in trace or residual amounts. 3. Adds xylazine as a controlled substance with penalties for manufacture, delivery, possession, or use outside the scope of a practitioner's practice. 4. Provides exemptions from criminal penalties for individuals seeking or providing medical assistance for a drug overdose or other medical emergency. 5. Exempts licensed health professionals selling or offering drug paraphernalia in their professional capacity from penalties. The bill aims to establish needle exchange programs and decriminalize certain activities related to harm reduction for drug use in order to address public health issues.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2023-HB-5178