Indiana legislation allowing counties to continue syringe service programs — while adding restrictions — will potentially become law as Gov. Mike Braun said he does not plan to sign the bill, Indiana Capital Chronicle reported March 9.
The legislation allows six counties to maintain programs providing sterile syringes, safe needle disposal, overdose prevention drugs, disease testing, and referrals to healthcare and social services. Mr. Braun said he will not sign the legislation but will not veto it either, according to the report. The bill will become law within seven days if he does not act.
The law extends the programs for five years but adds several restrictions. Participants must show identification proving they live in a county hosting the program and sites cannot operate within 1,000 feet of schools, child care centers or houses of worship without written consent.
Programs must also exchange one sterile syringe for each used needle returned. The department reported an 88% return rate in 2023.
Additional provisions require programs to track referrals to drug treatment, prohibit disruption of certain chemicals and allow the department to shut down sites that violate the rules after receiving complaints, according to the report.
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