AP Wire
  • Updated

Indiana lawmakers have passed a bill that requires people to show ID to use the state’s needle exchange programs. The legislation now heads to Gov. Mike Braun’s desk. The bill also extends needle exchanges for five more years. Lawmakers added new restrictions after prosecutors say exchanges encourage drug use and leave needles in communities. The bill sets a one-for-one exchange rule. It also limits who can use each county program. Advocates say IDs block people without housing or income from using the exchanges. They warn fewer people will get testing, naloxone, and recovery referrals. The programs are credited with curbing bloodborne infections across the state, including HIV and hepatitis C.