Advocating for Michigan Legislation - Bills 5178 and 5179
Let's get these bills out of committee on December 5th
Michigan communities and families continue to be devastated by the opioid overdose crisis, even after 20 years. In 2023 alone, there were +2,000 drug overdose deaths.
House Bill 5178 & House Bill 5179 unlock common-sense, life-saving, and evidence-based public health approaches to address the overdose crisis. They do this by removing unnecessary barriers to syringe service programs and fentanyl and xylazine test strips.
- Syringe service programs provide access to essential health services for high-risk communities, including reducing infectious disease transmission, crime, and overdose deaths. They have been endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the American Medical Association (AMA), a long list of other professional organizations, and state public health departments. Syringe service programs are authorized in 38 states.
- Fentanyl and xylazine test strips are simple and cost-effective tools that help people detect these drugs, preventing accidental overdoses and other costly health concerns. They have been endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the American Medical Association (AMA), a long list of other professional organizations, and state public health departments. Test strips are legal in 36 states.
These bills will address Michigan's overdose crisis in two important ways. First, they authorize the establishment and operation of syringe service programs statewide in Michigan. Second, they remove criminal penalties for the distribution, possession, and use of health tools (like fentanyl and xylazine test strips) that assist in reducing health risks associated with the use of substances.
Without these bills, these services will remain restricted throughout the state and result in fines, jail time, and wasted time for people doing this essential work. These barriers also prevent local leaders from investing the $1.5 billion in opioid settlement money into these solutions and further exacerbate existing health disparities, unnecessary health costs, and preventable deaths.
What These Bills Do
- Amend the Public Health Code to remove criminal penalties for possessing materials deemed drug “paraphernalia” including supplies distributed by Syringe Service Programs.
- Protect individuals obtaining or returning syringes and other safer use equipment that can currently be deemed paraphernalia from arrest, prosecution, charges, or conviction.
- Remove criminal penalties for the use or possession of drug-checking technologies, not limited to fentanyl and xylazine test strips.
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