Bill > HB73

This bill introduces comprehensive changes to New Hampshire's approach to substance misuse and harm reduction, focusing on prevention, treatment, and recovery. The legislation redefines the Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery by expanding its membership to include more diverse perspectives and creating new task forces. It formally defines "harm reduction" as an approach that emphasizes engaging directly with people who use drugs to prevent overdose, improve individual and societal health, and provide low-threshold options for accessing treatment. The bill establishes statewide substance use disorder access points to provide information, referrals, screening, treatment, and support services, with funding primarily coming from federal grants. Additionally, the legislation authorizes syringe service programs to engage in activities like drug checking, distributing drug testing equipment, and providing drug supplies, while also allowing state and federal funds to support these programs. The bill replaces the term "abuse" with "misuse" throughout relevant statutes and aims to reduce stigma around substance use disorders by promoting a philosophy of hope, healing, and comprehensive care. Importantly, the legislation emphasizes a public health approach that balances individual care with societal protection, and requires detailed reporting on prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.

Health and Social Services

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0078&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB73