In a move that has sparked controversy, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has vetoed a bill that would have permitted the creation of safe syringe exchange programs in cities and counties across the state. The legislation, known as LB307, was passed by state lawmakers with a strong majority vote of 30-7 in the legislature.

Governor Pillen expressed his concerns about the Syringe Service Programs (SSPs) law, calling it "problematic" and citing several reasons for his decision. He argued that allowing kids to participate in needle exchange programs would expose them to increased dangers and would not contribute to the overall safety of communities. The governor also claimed that evidence indicates such programs lead to enhanced drug use and do not result in significant reductions in the transmission of communicable diseases.

LB307, introduced by State Senator Megan Hunt of Omaha, aimed to assist communities in controlling the spread of diseases like HIV without making it mandatory for counties or cities to implement safe syringe exchange programs. The bill simply provided the option for localities to create these programs if they chose to do so.

In his veto letter to the Legislature, Governor Pillen questioned the relevancy of the sources cited by proponents of the bill, stating that they did not pertain to the current opioid crisis. According to the CDC, approximately 53% of the 214 overdose deaths in Nebraska in 2021 were attributed to opioids, with a rate of 11.4 per 100,000 people.

The governor highlighted a study from the Journal of Public Economics published in June 2022, which suggested that SSPs may decrease HIV diagnoses rates by up to 1.1%. However, the same study also indicated that these programs could increase opioid-related mortality rates by 2 to 3.5%, leading to approximately three more drug-related deaths per county per year.

While Governor Pillen's stance opposes the effectiveness of SSPs, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) supports these programs in reducing the transmission of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C among individuals who inject opioids and other drugs. The NIDA also referenced research that showed syringe services programs did not increase drug use and actually increased participation in substance use treatment.

The governor also referenced the National Bureau of Economic Research, which found that SSPs resulted in nearly two fewer cases of HIV per county per year while resulting in four more drug-related deaths. However, the CDC notes that the estimated lifetime cost of treating one person living with HIV is near $510,000 and hospital costs associated with infectious disease threats have increased significantly.

The veto has sparked a debate, with proponents of LB307 arguing that safe syringe exchange programs not only aid in disease prevention but also act as a bridge to other necessary health services and substance use treatment.

As it stands, Governor Pillen's veto of LB307 has effectively halted the implementation of safe syringe exchange programs in Nebraska. The decision has drawn criticism from advocates who believe these programs are crucial in preventing the spread of diseases like HIV and aiding individuals in accessing vital support and treatment services.