Bill > SB549

This bill mandates that any entity operating a syringe service program (SSP) in New Hampshire, which provides sterile needles and syringes, must offer free options for the safe disposal of used syringes, needles, and related paraphernalia to the public. These programs are also required to conduct an annual marketing campaign to inform participants about these free disposal services. Furthermore, SSPs must submit quarterly reports to the state department, detailing their compliance with disposal requirements and reporting calculated syringe return rates, along with descriptions of their counting methods, how returns are categorized, and factors influencing their performance. The bill sets a goal for SSPs to achieve and maintain a 95 percent return rate each quarter, requiring a corrective action plan if a program falls below this for two consecutive quarters, with the state department offering support and guidance. Finally, no local government can enact ordinances to prohibit these authorized activities, and the state department will establish fines for failing to file reports or implement corrective plans.