SB 1573
Prohibits a syringe service program from operating a mobile or temporary location within 2,000 feet of a school or licensed child care facility.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2026 Regular Session
At the request of
(at the request of Stadiumhood)
Committee
Early Childhood and Behavioral Health
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
47%
Oppose
53%
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill prohibits syringe service programs from operating a mobile or temporary location within 2,000 feet of schools or licensed child care facilities. The bill defines ‘syringe service program’ and establishes a process for individuals to sue programs that violate this distance restriction. It also outlines potential damages and attorney fees for successful plaintiffs in such lawsuits.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of the legislation emphasize the importance of prioritizing child safety and well-being, citing concerns about drug use, discarded needles, and crime in neighborhoods near schools and childcare facilities. Many enthusiasm for the bill's potential to improve early childhood education and behavioral health outcomes, as well as its need to regulate mobile syringe programs and keep them away from schools. Key supporters argue that the bill provides a pragmatic solution to prevent disease transmission among addicted individuals while protecting sensitive areas from contaminated needles near schools and preschools. Testifiers also highlight personal experiences of witnessing or experiencing negative impacts of unsanctioned drug distribution sites near schools, emphasizing the need for safe environments where kids can learn and grow without exposure to open drug use or hazardous waste. Overall, supporters believe that the bill is crucial in addressing the safety concerns and promoting healthy development among children.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of Senate Bill 1573 argue that restricting access to harm reduction and syringe service programs will have severe consequences, including increased disease transmission, reduced access to healthcare and recovery support, and decreased public safety. They emphasize the importance of these programs as a vital component of care for people who use substances, highlighting their role in reducing infectious disease transmission and serving as a gateway to treatment. Critics also express concern that the bill will harm rural communities by eliminating mobile syringe exchange services, increase fatal overdoses and hospital admissions, and undermine Governor Kotek's mission to humanize substance use services. Furthermore, opponents argue that the bill's restrictions on syringe service programs will have far-reaching consequences on Oregon's medical and social service systems, which are already under strain due to increased HIV and viral hepatitis cases and emergency room visits.
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