INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The leader of the Indiana Senate says he's uncertain how his chamber will vote on a proposal to legalize needle-exchange programs.
Indiana bars needle-exchange programs, but Gov. Mike Pence last month authorized a short-term exchange to help combat an HIV outbreak in Scott County.
A measure pending in the Senate would allow high-risk counties to create their own exchange programs to prevent the future spread of disease.
Senate President Pro Tem David Long said Thursday that he supports the emergency program but is concerned that long-term exchanges will promote drug use, rather than prevent it.
Health officials say the outbreak is tied to intravenous drug use. More than 100 people who either live in Scott County or have ties to the area have tested positive for HIV.
