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Read. Follow. Verify.Missouri exempts registered syringe access programs from drug paraphernalia distribution laws
Last action · May 15, 2026: Referred: Emerging Issues(H)Sponsor: Melanie Stinnett
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What This Bill Would Do
Missouri HB 2602 establishes a state registration process for s and exempts registered entities, their staff, volunteers, and participants from criminal penalties for distributing or manufacturing hypodermic needles. To qualify, programs must maintain a collaborative agreement with a mental health and substance use treatment organization and locate at least 500 feet away from existing schools.
Qualifying syringe program operators and participants avoid criminal liability for offenses, while facing strict geographic distance restrictions relative to schools and mandatory treatment-referral partnerships.
- House Bill 2602 was introduced during the 2026 Regular Session of the 103rd General Assembly of Missouri by Representative Melanie Stinnett. context
- Under Missouri law prior to this measure, distributing or manufacturing hypodermic needles for injection drug use could trigger criminal charges under state drug paraphernalia statutes. context
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Syringe access program operating entities
Entities that register with the Department of Health and Senior Services gain legal exemptions from drug paraphernalia distribution and manufacturing laws while operating a program.
Syringe access program staff, volunteers, and participants
Individuals involved in operating or participating in registered syringe access programs are exempted from criminal penalties for handling hypodermic needles and syringes.
Department of Health and Senior Services
The department is required to establish a registration process, evaluate collaborative agreements, and promulgate rules to implement the syringe access program framework.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the exemption from drug paraphernalia laws under this bill?
Are there location restrictions for registered syringe access programs?
What prerequisites must an organization fulfill to register a syringe access program?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
4 actions- May 15, 2026HouseCommitteeReferred: Emerging Issues(H)
- Jan 8, 2026HouseFloorRead Second Time (H)
- Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroducedRead First Time (H)
- Dec 30, 2025HouseIntroducedPrefiled (H)
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
house.mo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy70Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz35Current news / social attention level
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