WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 2417

An Act relative to medical sharps stewardship

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Carole Fiola

H 2417 - An Act relative to medical sharps stewardship OverviewBill Number: H 2417 Title: An Act relative to medical sharps stewardship Status: Reported favorably by committee an

Reporting date extended to Friday, July 31, 2026
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 2417

H 2417 - An Act relative to medical sharps stewardship

Overview

Bill Number: H 2417
Title: An Act relative to medical sharps stewardship
Status: Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
Introduced: February 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to establish a comprehensive medical sharps stewardship program in the state. Medical sharps, such as needles, syringes, and lancets, pose a significant public health and environmental risk if not properly disposed of. This legislation aims to improve the collection, transportation, and environmentally-sound disposal of these hazardous materials.

Key Provisions

  • Requires manufacturers and distributors of medical sharps to establish and fund a statewide stewardship program
  • Mandates the creation of a convenient network of collection sites for consumers to return used sharps
  • Directs the program to provide sharps disposal containers and mail-back services free of charge to consumers
  • Establishes safety and environmental standards for the handling, transportation, and disposal of collected sharps
  • Prohibits the disposal of medical sharps in regular trash or recycling, with fines for non-compliance
  • Directs the state environmental agency to provide oversight and enforcement of the stewardship program

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Consumers who use medical sharps, such as those with diabetes, will benefit from free and convenient disposal options
  • Manufacturers and distributors of medical sharps will be responsible for funding and operating the stewardship program
  • Waste management companies and local governments will see reduced risks and costs associated with improper sharps disposal
  • The general public and environment will be protected from the health and environmental hazards posed by improperly discarded sharps

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This bill has been reported favorably by the relevant legislative committee and has been referred to the committee on Health Care Financing for further consideration. If passed by the committee, the bill would then proceed to a full vote by the state legislature. If enacted, the medical sharps stewardship program would need to be established within 12 months, with the program becoming operational within 18 months of the bill's effective date.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.