Nebraska Lawmakers Advance Bodily Fluids Bill - Florida Senate Passes Wide-Ranging Sexual Abuse Bill - Needle-Swap Program Would Have No 'Sunset'

May 7, 2011

NEBRASKA: " Nebraska Lawmakers Advance Bodily Fluids Bill "

Associated Press (05.04.11)

In a 35-5 vote, lawmakers in Nebraska this week gave first-round approval to a

bill creating specific criminal penalties for anyone who strikes a peace office

- including jail personnel, probation officers, and others - with a bodily

fluid. The offense would be a misdemeanor; however, prosecutors could raise the

charge to a felony if the accused knew the fluid was infected with HIV,

hepatitis B or hepatitis C and the fluid struck the officer’s mouth, eyes or

skin. The bill is LB 226.

FLORIDA: " Florida Senate Passes Wide-Ranging Sexual Abuse Bill "

Associated Press (05.04.11)

The Florida Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill that requires rape

suspects to undergo hepatitis testing. It also tasks law enforcement with

arranging transportation so victims can have evidence gathered and receive

medical treatment, and it provides relocation assistance for survivors. The

measure allows evidence of suspects’ past sex crimes to be heard in court, and

it requires school health curricula to discuss Internet safety. After being

amended by the Senate, the bill returns to the House, where it passed without

opposition last week.

DELAWARE: " Needle-Swap Program Would Have No 'Sunset' "

News Journal (Wilmington) (05.05.11)

A measure that would remove the “sunset” provision from the state’s

needle-exchange program was released Wednesday by the House Health and Human

Development Committee. Studies show that NEPs help prevent the spread of

blood-borne infections by allowing injection drug users to swap dirty syringes

for sterile ones.

Wilmington’s NEP offers testing for HIV, hepatitis B, and pregnancy, in addition

to its syringe and drug treatment services. Basha Silverman, director of

prevention programs for wine Counseling, oversees the NEP; she said the

original goal was to move five clients per year into treatment. In just over

four years, nearly 200 people have sought help, she said. The NEP currently

serves 1,025 clients, she noted.

“Our [NEP] saves hundreds of lives and saves the state millions in potential

health care costs,” Silverman said.

SB 13 is sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Margaret Rose Henry (D-Wilmington

East). Henry said she would like to see other areas of the state adopt an NEP,

but some municipalities do not want one.

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