A.
Purpose and Intent. The town council recognizes that the establishment and operation of a syringe services program will increase improperly disposed needles which pose a serious risk to the public health, safety and welfare, given the potential for personal bodily injury, property damage, and contaminated waterways. It is the purpose and intent of this section to prohibit the establishment, operation, use, and/or participation in a syringe services program within the town of Loomis to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare of its residents.
B.
Definition. "Syringe services program" means a program authorized by the county of Placer or the California Department of Public Health and operating within the town of Loomis that acts as a point of access to health education and care for people who inject drugs, where hypodermic needles and/or syringes are dispensed, or where used syringes are collected pursuant to the authority of Chapter 18 of Part 4 of Division 105 of the California Health and Safety Code, or successor section or chapter thereof, such that persons participating in and/or operating such programs are exempt from criminal prosecution for acts related to the possession of needles and/or syringes.
C.
Prohibition. It shall be unlawful and a public nuisance for any person to create, establish, operate, conduct, or participate in a syringe services program within the town of Loomis.
D.
Conformance to Law. The provisions of this section shall be interpreted in accordance with otherwise applicable state and federal law(s) and will not apply if determined by the town to be in violation of any such law(s).
(Ord. 295, 9/12/2023; Ord. 296, 10/10/2023)