Exempts entities registered with the department of health and senior services that distribute hypodermic needles or syringes from the crime of unlawful delivery of drug paraphernalia

HB 2602 proposes to exempt registered harm reduction programs from penalties for distributing needles/syringes under state drug laws. It creates a registration process through the Department of Health and Senior Services, requiring programs to partner with mental health/substance use treatment providers and avoid locations within 500 feet of schools (unless the school existed before the program opened). The bill directly affects registered syringe access programs, their staff, and volunteers who distribute or manufacture needles/syringes solely for these programs. This would make such activities legal under the law, removing criminal penalties for these specific actions. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (prefiled, first reading).