HOUSE SAYS MONEY NEEDED, RETAINS 3 TEMPORARY TAXES. NEEDLE EXCHANGE
BILL HEADED TO SENATE by DONN TIBBETTS State House Bureau Chief
Copyright (c) 1997, Union Leader Corp.

Needle Exchange Bill Headed to Senate

CONCORD Intravenous drug users would be able to
exchange used hypodermic needles and syringes for new ones
in one pilot community program under a bill passed without
debate yesterday by the House to the Senate. The key vote
of 224121 was not individually recorded.

The state's Health and Human Services commissioner would
monitor a twoyear pilot program that proponents contend
could help prevent the spread of AIDS. The commissioner,
with the help of an advisory committee, would choose a
volunteer city to host the trial. The commissioner would
also decide what counseling and rehabilitation services
would be offered to participating drug addicts.

The cost of the program will be paid by federal grants
and private sector donations.

Eightyyearold Rep. Cecelia Kane, DPortsmouth, fought
for passage of the bill. Her fight was prompted by the
death of her son, Tommy, 34, from AIDS eight years ago.

Although her efforts failed twice former Gov. Steve
Merrill vetoed the bill in 1993 this time Kane, a former
nurse, has the endorsement of Health and Human Services
Commissioner Terry Morton.

Gov. Jeanne Shaheen is expected to sign the bill into
law if it passes in the Senate. As a Senator, Shaheen
voted for similar legislation.