Pillen vetoes needle exchange bill

LINCOLN, Neb. — Gov. Jim Pillen of Nebraska has wielded his veto power against LB 307, a bill put forward to establish Syringe Service Programs (SSPs) at the local level, enabling the distribution of hypodermic needles to drug users.

The legislation, introduced by Sen. Megan Hunt from Omaha and greenlit by a legislative vote of 30-7-12, sought to provide an exception from prosecution for authorized needle distribution service providers.

In defense of his decision, Gov. Pillen articulated several concerns regarding the bill. He argued that the proposed law poses risks to youth by potentially involving them in needle exchange programs and fails to bolster community safety.

Citing evidence suggesting that such programs might fuel increased drug use without substantially curbing the spread of communicable diseases, the governor positioned himself in alignment with Nebraskans who hold reservations about government support for activities associated with illegal drug use.