Rep. Norm Thurston — Voting Record

Bill

Number

H.B. 308 (2016GS)

Sponsor

Rep. Eliason, S.

Final action

Governor Signed 3/25/2016

Outcome

Became law — signed by Gov. Gary R. Herbert

Summary

What it does

• This bill:
• authorizes the operation of syringe exchange programs in the state;
• specifies the requirements a syringe exchange program must meet;
• requires the department to report to the Legislature every two years on the activities and outcomes of syringe programs operating in the state; and
• requires rulemaking by the department.

Every vote on this bill

Bill text

DISEASE PREVENTION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
REDUCTION AMENDMENTS
GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Steve Eliason
Senate Sponsor: 
Brian E. Shiozawa
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill amends the Utah Health Code.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
▸ authorizes the operation of syringe exchange programs in the state;
▸ specifies the requirements a syringe exchange program must meet;
▸ requires the department to report to the Legislature every two years on the activities
and outcomes of syringe programs operating in the state; and
▸ requires rulemaking by the department.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Utah Code Sections Affected:
ENACTS:
26-7-8
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1. Section 
26-7-8
 is enacted to read:
 26-7-8.
Syringe exchange and education.
(1) The following may operate a syringe exchange program in the state to prevent the
transmission of disease and reduce morbidity and mortality among individuals who inject
drugs, and those individuals' contacts:
(a) a government entity, including:
(i) the department;
(ii) a local health department, as defined in Section 
26A-1-102
;
(iii) the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health within the Department of
Human Services; or
(iv) a local substance abuse authority, as defined in Section 
62A-15-102
;
(b) a nongovernment entity, including:
(i) a nonprofit organization; or
(ii) a for-profit organization; or
(c) any other entity that complies with Subsections (2) and (3).
(2) An entity operating a syringe exchange program in the state shall:
(a) facilitate the exchange of an individual's used syringe for one or more new syringes
in sealed sterile packages;
(b) ensure that a recipient of a new syringe is given verbal and written instruction on:
(i) methods for preventing the transmission of blood-borne diseases, including hepatitis
C and human immunodeficiency virus; and
(ii) options for obtaining:
(A) services for the treatment of a substance use disorder;
(B) testing for a blood-borne disease; and
(C) an opiate antagonist under Chapter 55, Opiate Overdose Response Act; and
(c) report annually to the department the following information about the program's
activities:
(i) the number of individuals who have exchanged syringes;
(ii) the number of used syringes exchanged for new syringes; and
(iii) the number of new syringes provided in exchange for used syringes.
(3) No later than October 1, 2017, and every two years thereafter, the department shall
report to the Legislature's Health and Human Services Interim Committee on:
(a) the activities and outcomes of syringe programs operating in the state, including:
(i) the number of individuals who have exchanged syringes;
(ii) the number of used syringes exchanged for new syringes;
(iii) the number of new syringes provided in exchange for used syringes;
(iv) the impact of the programs on blood-borne infection rates; and
(v) the impact of the programs on the number of individuals receiving treatment for a
substance use disorder;
(b) the potential for additional reductions in the number of syringes contaminated with
blood-borne disease if the programs receive additional funding;
(c) the potential for additional reductions in state and local government spending if the
programs receive additional funding;
(d) whether the programs promote illicit use of drugs; and
(e) whether the programs should be continued, continued with modifications, or
terminated.
(4) The department shall make rules, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah
Administrative Rulemaking Act, specifying how and when an entity operating a syringe
exchange program shall make the report required by Subsection (2)(c).