Bill > S0462

This bill removes the sunset provision of a four-year pilot program for harm reduction centers, effectively making the program permanent with a two-year extension until March 1, 2028. Harm reduction centers are community-based resources where individuals can safely consume pre-obtained substances under healthcare professional supervision, with the goal of preventing drug overdoses and providing referrals for medical treatment and counseling. The bill modifies existing law to require that each harm reduction center provide a detailed report to state leadership by January 31, 2028, including data on the number of individuals served, connected to health services, and information about overdose prevention. Importantly, municipalities must still provide explicit authorization for any proposed harm reduction center, including approving its specific location and hours of operation. The bill maintains the core purpose of the original pilot program, which is to offer a controlled environment for substance use that prioritizes health, safety, and potential pathways to recovery, while extending the program's timeline and mandating more comprehensive reporting.

Health and Social Services

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