Public commenters and legislators spent notable time on harm‑reduction policy and the future of local syringe‑exchange programs.

George Hegeman urged opposition to restrictions, calling syringe-exchange programs “an important public health issue” and warning that bans would increase hepatitis and HIV risks. In response, Sen. Shelley Yoder said she coauthored Senate Bill 91 to push the program sunsets out by ten years, noting it passed out of the Senate Health Committee and was scheduled for second reading amendments on Monday.

Yoder cited data from counties running exchange programs, saying roughly “83% of these syringes are being returned” in counties with programs, and described public‑health benefits including reduced rates of hepatitis C and HIV and the ability to test returned syringes to detect new drugs entering the market.

Pierce added that the law includes a sunset provision because the programs face political resistance; extending the authorization for a decade would give local programs breathing room to operate and gather evidence.

Why it matters: SB91 affects a small number of counties now operating exchanges (Monroe County among them) but has outsized public‑health consequences in terms of disease prevention and drug‑monitoring data. Proponents argue extension supports harm reduction and surveillance; opponents have cited anecdotal concerns about discarded needles.

What’s next: SB91 is scheduled for continued floor action; supporters were urged to contact legislators and attend committee hearings.