OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma House of Representatives has passed House Bill 2012, which would extend the operations of state harm-reduction programs through July 1, 2027.
The bill, authored by Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, ensures harm-reduction services such as needle exchange programs and rapid sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing can continue their work. The programs, which must be registered with the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) but cannot use state funding, are currently set to expire in 2026.
“Harm-reduction programs are an essential tool in saving lives and protecting public health,” Pae said. “These programs not only combat the spread of disease but also provide critical resources for individuals in need. This is a step forward for Oklahoma, as we work to support our communities and provide better access to life-saving services.”
The bill extends legislation Pae coauthored in 2021 that authorized harm-reduction programs to register with the Oklahoma State Department of Health. The four programs currently registered with OSDH distributed 578,330 syringes and 25,125 naloxone kits between 2022 and 2024. Additionally, they reported 1,212 overdose reversals and referred 1,528 individuals for substance use education or STI/HIV testing.
Syringe exchange programs are linked to a decrease of HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV), both of which can spread through shared needles. In 2022, Oklahoma ranked among the top seven states in the U.S. with the highest rural burden of HIV. Each case costs the state over $500,000 throughout a person’s life. That same year, Oklahoma also had the highest rate of new HCV infections.
“Allowing these programs, which don’t receive any state funding, to continue their work will later save the state millions of dollars,” Pae said. “Additionally, extending this work will allow us more opportunities to learn about the long-term impact of these programs. Through House Bill 2012, we can continue to provide individuals with the resources they need to rebuild their lives and protect their health, ultimately creating a healthier and safer state for everyone.”
HB2012 passed the House floor 52-41 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
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