Bill > HB1114

This bill aims to improve Hawaii's Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Program by making several key changes based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. The bill repeals the previous one-to-one syringe exchange limit and authorizes needs-based distribution of sterile needles and syringes, which means participants can receive enough supplies to reduce the likelihood of sharing or reusing equipment. It expands the program to allow non-injection drug users to receive services and adds new definitions for terms like "authorized objects" and "residue". The bill also provides legal protections for program staff, participants, and law enforcement officers, including immunity from criminal prosecution for possessing needles, syringes, or small amounts of drug residue when participating in or supporting the exchange program. Additionally, the bill modifies reporting requirements to include more comprehensive data about program participants and outcomes, with the ultimate goal of reducing bloodborne infection transmission, increasing access to addiction treatment, and improving public safety. The changes are supported by research showing that such programs effectively reduce disease spread without increasing drug use or crime.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1114&year=2025