Bill > LD1738

This bill establishes the Biohazard Waste Disposal Grant Program, which will be administered by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) to fund efforts aimed at collecting and safely disposing of used hypodermic needles and other biohazardous waste in community settings. The program will provide grants to community-based organizations, including those running hypodermic needle exchange programs, and to municipalities, which may be required to contribute matching funds from opioid settlement resources. The Maine CDC will develop an application process with criteria for community need, project goals, and data collection, and will prioritize applications that address areas with increased reports of improperly discarded needles, demonstrate collaboration, or propose innovative strategies. Grant funds can be used to purchase and install disposal boxes, ensure proper disposal of collected waste, hire and train staff for collection and disposal, and support other strategies to prevent improper disposal. The Maine CDC will also submit an annual report to the Legislature on the program's outcomes and funding needs, and a dedicated, nonlapsing fund will be established to hold contributions, grants, and appropriations for the program.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1738&snum=132