Needle-exchange
bill fails in N.C. assembly

A bill that would have granted state funding for needle-exchange programs in three North Carolina counties failed to come to a vote after it stalled in a house committee as the legislative session ended for the year, the Greensboro News and Record reports. If it had been approved, the legislation would have provided $550,000 annually for two years for the exchanges. There are currently no needle-exchange programs operating in North Carolina, and state law classifies syringes as illegal drug paraphernalia unless obtained with a prescription. Lawmakers hope to introduce the measure again next year, saying it would help prevent the spread of HIV, hepatitis, and other blood-borne diseases among injection-drug users in the state. (Advocate.com)