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Sponsor proposes felony for improper syringe disposal after residents report needles at parks and sidewalks
Summary
Sen. Keith Murphy described used syringes found in parks and sidewalks in Manchester and nearby towns and presented a bill to make improper disposal of syringes by individuals a Class B felony rather than a misdemeanor; committee members asked whether diapers or inadvertent conduct would be swept in and about mens rea for intoxicated individuals.
Senator Keith Murphy opened public testimony describing multiple photographs he took of used syringes in public spaces across Manchester and neighboring towns, saying constituents report frequent needle finds at playgrounds, gutters, and sidewalks. He said organizations distribute about 1,450 needles per day in Manchester and introduced legislation (referred to in testimony as "556") to make improper disposal of medical waste including used syringes by a natural person a Class B felony (current statute elevates felony only for non-natural persons).
Senator Murphy said the bill’s language would explicitly specify used and unused syringes and similar devices are included and affirmed the measure is aimed at preventing hazardous exposures in public areas. Senators asked whether items such as contaminated diapers would be swept into the law; Murphy said the bill does not change the existing definition of special waste and was not intended to criminalize accidental acts like dropping a diaper. Committee members also queried whether intoxication would be a valid defense; Murphy said being under the influence should not excuse leaving hazardous materials in public.
The committee concluded the public portion of the hearing and moved on to other items for which SB556 and related bills will be considered further in executive session.
