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New syringe exchange bill would keep community safer by reducing the number of stray needles, lawmaker says

The Senate passed a bill from Sen. Jen Plumb that would create an “affirmative defense” for people who are carrying syringes from an exchange program.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) A spent needle lies on the ground near 800 W. and North Temple as members of the Utah Harm Reduction Coalition comb the neighborhood picking them up during a recent syringe exchange. A bill from Sen. Jen Plumb, D-Salt Lake City, would encourage participation in and proper disposal of needles through syringe exchange programs by creating an "affirmative defense" for those caught with needles obtained through them.