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House approves HB308 to permit in-person needle-exchange programs with testing and treatment referrals
Summary
As part of an opiate-response package, Representative Eliason’s HB308 authorizes health departments and compliant nonprofits to operate in-person needle-exchange programs that must offer disease testing and treatment information; sponsor cited evidence the programs reduce HIV/hepatitis and increase treatment engagement. Vote: 72–0.
Representative Eliason presented HB308 as part of the Legislature’s response to opioid-related harms and described the bill’s aim to reduce transmission of HIV and hepatitis C by permitting in‑person needle-exchange programs run by health departments, governmental entities and nonprofits that follow the bill’s guidelines.
Eliason said the programs require in-person exchanges and that participants be informed about disease testing, blood‑borne illness risk and treatment options. He cited national and academic literature indicating needle-exchange programs reduce HIV and hepatitis C transmission and help connect people to treatment; he also said roughly 50 percent of hepatitis C patients are on Medicaid, a point he used to emphasize potential downstream Medicaid costs.
The House engaged in short floor discussion. Sponsor noted the bill was reported favorably out of committee and carries a zero fiscal note because some entities would volunteer to operate under the statute. The House voted and the bill passed 72 yes to 0 no; it will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
