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HB 4498

Health: other; syringe service programs; provide for. Amends secs. 7401, 7403, 7453 & 7457 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.7401 et seq.) & adds sec. 5137.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kelly Breen and 16 co-sponsors

Michigan bill authorizes syringe service programs statewide, modifying drug paraphernalia laws to enable sterile needle distribution for infection prevention and treatment access.

bill electronically reproduced 05/15/2025
#controlledsubstances:drugparaphernalia #health:other
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Bill Summary · HB 4498

Legislative bill overview

HB 4498 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to authorize and regulate syringe service programs (SSPs), which provide sterile syringes and related supplies to people who use drugs. The bill adds comprehensive provisions governing program establishment, operation, immunity protections, and oversight while modifying existing drug paraphernalia statutes to accommodate these programs.

Why is this important

Syringe service programs are evidence-based public health interventions that reduce transmission of bloodborne infections like HIV and hepatitis C, decrease overdose deaths through naloxone distribution, and connect users to treatment services. This legislation would establish Michigan's first statutory framework for SSPs, potentially expanding access to harm reduction services across the state while addressing the opioid crisis and infectious disease prevention.

Potential points of contention

  • Paraphernalia law conflict: The bill modifies drug paraphernalia statutes, which some argue enables drug use while supporters contend it's necessary harm reduction that doesn't increase drug consumption
  • Funding and implementation costs: Establishing statewide SSP infrastructure requires public resources; fiscal impact and funding sources remain unclear from the bill summary
  • Community opposition: Some neighborhoods and municipalities may resist program location, citing concerns about drug use visibility and neighborhood safety despite evidence SSPs don't increase drug activity in areas

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

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