INDIANA— Legislation to extend Indiana’s syringe exchange programs for another five years cleared the Indiana House on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The 70-22 vote moves the state closer to maintaining a public health initiative that advocates say is crucial for preventing disease outbreaks among intravenous drug users.
The programs, which currently operate in six of Indiana’s 92 counties, were first authorized in 2015 by then-Governor Mike Pence following a massive HIV outbreak in Scott County. Without legislative action, the programs are scheduled to sunset this summer.
While the state Senate previously supported a 10-year extension with fewer mandates, the House version of Senate Bill 91 introduces several significant restrictions aimed at increasing “accountability”:
- One-for-One Exchange: Program operators would be limited to providing exactly one sterile needle for every used needle returned by a participant.
- Residency and Identification: Participants must present valid identification proving they live in the specific region served by the exchange.
- Zoning Buffers: Syringe distributions would be prohibited within 1,000 feet of schools, licensed daycares, or religious buildings without explicit permission.
- Shortened Extension: The program’s new expiration date would be set for summer 2031 (a five-year extension) rather than 2036.
House Public Health Committee Chair Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) noted that while no state funds go directly toward operating these exchanges, the state often bears the financial burden of treating HIV and Hepatitis C.
Critics of the extension, including Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka), argued that the programs send a “mixed message” and facilitate illegal drug use. Data from the state health department shows that since 2015, approximately 2 million more needles have been distributed than collected.
However, bill sponsor Rep. Ed Clere (R-New Albany) emphasized that the programs are about more than just needles—they serve as a gateway to thousands of referrals for addiction treatment, housing, and behavioral health services.
Currently, only six counties in the state have active syringe service programs (SSPs) providing sterile equipment, disease testing, and counseling referrals:
- Allen
- Clark
- Madison
- Marion
- Monroe
- Tippecanoe
The bill now heads back to the Senate, where lawmakers must decide whether to accept the House’s tighter restrictions or move to a conference committee to resolve the differences.
