By GARRY RAYNO
Sen. Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro, Senate Majority Leader
CONCORD — Additional measures to try to address the state’s opioid crisis were approved by the Senate Thursday, although action on the “needle bill” was put off until next week.
Under the House-passed version of House Bill 1681, possessing used syringes with traces of drug residue would no longer be a crime. The bill also removes syringes from the drug paraphernalia prohibition in the controlled drug statutes and allows syringes to be sold at retail stores other than pharmacies.
However, the Senate Judiciary Committee changed the bill into a study commission after issues were raised by law enforcement and others at a public hearing earlier this month.
Bill supporters — who believe it will save lives with fewer users developing hepatitis C or AIDS from using contaminated needles — have asked senators to approve some form of needle exchange program to begin addressing the issue of dirty needle use.
Ongoing conversations could result in some changes, said the bill’s prime sponsor, Rep. Joseph Hannon, R-Lee. Under current law, a person could face seven years in jail and up to a $100,000 fine if caught with a needle with drug residue.
Drug take backs
The Senate approved a plan to have pharmacies take back prescription medications, including opioids that people no longer need or want.
Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro, said the proposal is more convenient than the two- or three-day drug take-back programs some police departments hold.
“For pharmacies to offer this service makes it a lot easier for people to dispose of prescription drugs and avoid illegal use of these drugs.” Bradley said.
However, the Senate killed a bill that would have required law enforcement take-back programs to accept illegal drugs such as heroin and drug paraphernalia.
“We have concerns related to how allowing individuals who were using or distributing could freely turn in illicit substances without being subjected to legal ramifications,” said Sen. Sharon Carson, R-Londonderry.
Drug prescribing rules
The Senate approved House Bill 1423 which requires physician, nursing, dental, veterinarian and other groups allowed to prescribe opioids to adopt new rules reflecting up-to-date prescribing practices.
The bill is one of the key pieces of legislation included in a package vetted by the drug task force last year and is supported by Gov. Maggie Hassan.
– See more at: http://www.unionleader.com/State-Senate-OKs-drug-take-backs,-delays-needle-exchange-vote#sthash.nwTZFp26.dpuf
