New Hampshire SB 549: requiring certain syringe service program entities to provide options for disposal of used syringes and needles and creating reporting requirements for such entities.

Bill Text

SB 549-FN - VERSION ADOPTED BY BOTH BODIES

03/12/2026 1040s

03/12/2026 1162s

2026 SESSION

 26-2141

 09/05

SENATE BILL 549-FN

AN ACT requiring certain syringe service program entities to provide options for disposal of used syringes and needles and creating reporting requirements for such entities.

SPONSORS: Sen. Murphy, Dist 16; Sen. Pearl, Dist 17; Sen. Ward, Dist 8; Sen. Lang, Dist 2; Sen. Avard, Dist 12; Sen. Gannon, Dist 23; Sen. Sullivan, Dist 18; Sen. McGough, Dist 11; Sen. Innis, Dist 7; Sen. Birdsell, Dist 19

COMMITTEE: Health and Human Services

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AMENDED ANALYSIS

 This bill requires certain syringe service program entities to provide options for disposal of used syringes and needles and creates reporting requirements for such entities.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

 Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

 Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

03/12/2026 1040s

03/12/2026 1162s 26-2141

 09/05

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six

AN ACT requiring certain syringe service program entities to provide options for disposal of used syringes and needles and creating reporting requirements for such entities.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

 1 New Paragraph; Pharmacists and Pharmacies; Regulation of Pharmacies; Syringe Service Programs; Authorized Activities and Funding Sources. Amend RSA 318:43-a by inserting after paragraph II the following new paragraph: 

 II-a.(a) Any entity operating a syringe service program in New Hampshire that involves the provision of sterile needles and syringes shall provide options for the disposal of used syringes, needles, and other related paraphernalia. Such options shall be free to the public. 

 (b) Any organization required to provide options for the disposal of used syringes, needles, and other related paraphernalia shall undertake an annual marketing campaign to inform participants of free disposal options. 

 (c) At the time of a quarterly report, each entity operating a syringe service program in New Hampshire shall report to the department whether they are required to provide options for disposal as outlined in this paragraph and, if so, shall demonstrate their compliance. 

 (d) At the time of a quarterly report, each entity operating a syringe service program in New Hampshire shall report to the department calculated return rates. In addition to calculated return rates, each program shall provide a description of methods used in syringe counting or estimation; separation of returns from direct participant exchange versus secondary/community sources; and a narrative of factors affecting performance and improvement efforts. Strengthening syringe services programs (SSPs) shall seek to achieve and maintain a return rate of 95 percent or higher in each calendar quarter. The department shall assess performance over rolling 4-quarter periods. A return rate may exceed 100 percent. If an SSP reports a return rate below 95 percent for 2 consecutive quarters, it must submit a corrective action plan within 30 days. The plan shall include strategies to increase return rate, such as enhanced drop box access, peer outreach, incentives, or community partnerships; a timeline with measurable targets; and a statement of resource or technical needs. Upon request, the department shall provide support, including guidance on data gathering and best practices. The department shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A establishing a schedule of fines for failure to file required reports or implement corrective action plans. 

 (e) No municipality shall adopt any local ordinance or other rule to prohibit any activity authorized by this paragraph. 

 2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 90 days after its passage.

 LBA

 26-2141

 04/06/2026

SB 549-FN- FISCAL NOTE

AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE (AMENDMENTS #2026-1040s and #2026-1162s)

AN ACT requiring certain syringe service program entities to provide options for disposal of used syringes and needles and creating reporting requirements for such entities.

FISCAL IMPACT: This bill does not provide funding, nor does it authorize new positions.

 Estimated State Impact

FY 2026

FY 2027

FY 2028

FY 2029

 Revenue

$0

$0

$0

$0

 Revenue Fund(s)

None

 Expenditures*

$0

$115,000

$120,000

$126,000

 Funding Source(s)

General Fund

 Appropriations*

$0

$0

$0

$0

 Funding Source(s)

None

 *Expenditure = Cost of bill *Appropriation = Authorized funding to cover cost of bill

 Estimated Political Subdivision Impact

FY 2026

FY 2027

FY 2028

FY 2029

 Local Revenue

$0

$0

$0

$0

 Local Expendit