Committee approves broad substance‑use package that limits public needle distribution in parks and creates 'stay out' orders

SALT LAKE CITY — After extensive public comment and debate, the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee adopted the first substitute to HB 205, a multi‑part package aimed at reducing visible drug activity in public spaces while expanding treatment and court‑based intervention options.

Representative Clancy, sponsor of the substitute, said the bill seeks to balance harm‑reduction services with public‑space safety. The substitute restricts distribution of syringes and certain paraphernalia in parks and other defined public locations unless done in partnership with the local political subdivision; it also narrows harm‑reduction activities to needle distribution (not pipes or other implements) in those settings.

The bill authorizes judges to issue location‑based restrictions — described in the bill as "stay out of drug area" orders — that function like protective‑order location restrictions for defendants released pretrial in high‑impact drug zones. It also establishes a pilot to bring STEP‑style courts (swift, certain, fair) to justice courts and sets standards for jail recovery pods intended to provide in‑custody recovery supports.

Supporters included law enforcement, corrections, municipal governments and recovery providers who said the package gives tools for both accountability and rapid intervention. Chief Brian Red of the Salt Lake City Police Department said the bill will help create safe public spaces and support people who need treatment. Some harm‑reduction advocates urged caution about restricting syringe distribution in parks, warning about collection of syringes and naloxone distribution; sponsors said outreach, naloxone distribution and partnership programming can continue with local permission.

The committee adopted the substitute and passed HB 205 out of committee by voice vote.