A bill to allow needle-exchange programs for illegal-drug users cleared a state Senate committee Wednesday amid complaints from Republicans that the legislation would subsidize junkies and condone shooting up.
Under current law, local health authorities can collect dirty syringes but can’t pass out clean ones to drug users. Senate Bill 189, sponsored by Sen. Pat Steadman, D-Denver, would create an exception to allow local health authorities to operate needle-exchange programs without fear of prosecution.
Steadman said hepatitis C and HIV are commonly spread through dirty needles.
Boulder County already operates such a program, despite the law. Health officials there testified in favor of the bill, as did Boulder County District Attorney Stan Garnett, a Democrat who recently announced his intention to run for state attorney general.
The bill passed on a 5-2 vote, with Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield, the only Republican voting in favor. The measure now moves to the full Senate.
Tim Hoover, The Denver Post
