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Needle bill discussed in committee

March 15, 2000
By: Aaron Cummins
State Capital Bureau
Links: SB 1083

A bill that would provide free needles for drug users faced strong opposition from a former addict in a committee hearing today/Wednesday. Aaron Cummins has more from the capitol--

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The Reverend Steven Craft testified that he was a drug user for 20 years.

But, he says he kicked the habit... and he doesn't think providing needles is a good idea.

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Contents: Craft says providing free needles to users so they can engage in illegal activities is crazy.

Craft says he thinks money for needles would be better spent on treatment programs.

There is a provision in the bill to encourage users to get help when they pick up clean needles.

In Jefferson City, Aaron Cummins, KMOX-News.

A bill to let the state Health Department provide free needles for drug users came before a Senate committee today/Wednesday. Aaron Cummins has more from Jefferson City--

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Senator Mary Bland of Kansas City sponsors the bill.

She says it's important to do something to stop the spread of HIV.

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Contents: Bland says the issue is to stop users from sharing needles and hopefully stop people transmitting the disease.

But, Bland says this plan doesn't encourage drug use.

Instead, she says, it will hopefully lead to education and eventually people who use will quit.

There is a provision in the bill to encourage users to seek help.

In Jefferson City, Aaron Cummins, KMOX-News.