SB 607 – Substance Use Disorder Safety Act

Primary Senate Sponsors: Sen. Chuck Edwards (R-Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania); Sen. Joyce Krawiec (R-Davie, Forsyth)

Summary

This bill:

  • Allows any governmental or nongovernmental organization to establish and operate a needle and hypodermic syringe exchange program in a facility that offers professional counseling or rehabilitation services for individuals with drug use disorders.
  • Requires such programs to require individuals who use drugs illicitly to enroll in evidence-based treatment (was previously “encourage” individuals).
  • Requires the host of such programs to ensure that all program supplies are engraved or marked with a symbol or logo that clearly identifies the program.
  • Notes that statutory limited immunity does not apply to individuals in possession of program supplies within an area designated as a school zone.
  • Adds information to the reporting requirements for organizations operating such programs.
  • Establishes new requirements related to the program’s location and neighborhood and school safety.
  • Requires any individual operating an exchange program to maintain general liability insurance and professional liability insurance in the amount of $1M each.

Movement

Filed – 4/6/2021