Amid drug crisis, needle exchanges get strong endorsement from N.H. House

The House voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to pass a bill legalizing needle exchanges in New Hampshire, despite concerns that the legislation could curb law enforcement’s ability to go after drug dealers.

New Hampshire is the only state in New England without a needle exchange. The programs give intravenous drug users access to free, sterile syringes and dispose of their used ones.

As the state faces an opioid epidemic that claimed more than 400 lives last year, advocates say the programs are critical to preventing the spread of HIV and hepatitis C among drug users, limiting the number of dirty needles discarded in public places.

“If we provide more access to clean syringes, we can improve public safety,” said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Joe Hannon, a Lee Republican.

The legislation passed 272-86, and it will now go to the Republican-led Senate.

The bill seeks to legalize needle exchanges by allowing more people and organizations to dispense clean needles, and by decriminalizing the possession of syringes that contain a residual amount of drugs, so users can bring their dirty needles to an exchange without fear of arrest.

The bill does not set up a state-authorized needle exchange or establish regulatory guidelines for such programs.

Opponents said the bill’s approach could have unintended consequences. Law enforcement officials have said a blanket decriminalization of dirty needles could limit them from using such paraphernalia as evidence while investigating and prosecuting drug crimes.

“I would prefer to see us do something that creates a needle exchange program, or at least allows the state to set guidelines,” said Rep. John Tholl, a Whitefield Republican. “What it does now is gives a free pass to everybody who wants to have dirty needles.”

The bill will now go to a Senate committee for review, and advocates say they hope the chamber will improve the measure.

“If people are concerned, I am willing to work with those in trying to come with some consensus in the Senate,” Hannon said.