Bill > SB83

This bill establishes an Overdose and Infectious Disease Prevention Services Program in Maryland, allowing up to six community-based organizations to create supervised sites where individuals can safely consume pre-obtained drugs under health professional supervision. The program aims to reduce harm associated with drug use by providing sterile supplies, first aid, overdose monitoring, and referrals to additional health services like substance use disorder treatment, HIV testing, and reproductive health education. Participants and staff will be protected from arrest, prosecution, or professional penalties when operating within the program's guidelines. Community-based organizations, which include hospitals, clinics, treatment centers, and faith-based organizations, can apply to the Department of Health to establish a program, with the goal of creating two sites each in urban, suburban, and rural areas. The program will be required to submit annual reports detailing participant demographics, service usage, overdose incidents, referrals, and other key metrics. The legislation will be in effect from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029, after which it will automatically expire unless further action is taken by the General Assembly.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0083?ys=2025RS