Oregon Bill to Ban Needle Exchanges Near Schools Stalls

Health coalition says legislation will not advance due to federal court ruling against similar restrictions

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A bill in the Oregon legislature that would have banned needle exchange programs from operating within 2,000 feet of schools and childcare facilities will not be advancing, according to the Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials (CLHO). The decision comes after a federal judge in Washington ruled that restrictions on syringe exchange programs violate the Americans with Disabilities Act, as they could be considered discrimination against those with substance use disorders.

Why it matters

Needle exchange programs are an important public health tool to reduce the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C among people who use drugs. Restricting access to these services can have negative consequences for vulnerable populations struggling with addiction. The Oregon bill aimed to address concerns about the proximity of these programs to schools, but the CLHO has decided not to pursue it further due to the legal precedent set by the federal court ruling.

The details

Senate Bill 1573 would have prohibited syringe service programs from operating within 2,000 feet of Oregon schools and licensed childcare centers. However, a federal judge in Lewis County, Washington recently ruled that such restrictions violate the Americans with Disabilities Act, as they could be considered discriminatory towards those with substance use disorders. As a result, Lewis County repealed its ordinance and agreed to pay $500,000 in attorney's fees. The CLHO has decided not to advance the Oregon bill in order to avoid similar costly litigation against the state under the ADA.

  • On February 10, 2026, a federal judge in Lewis County, Washington ruled that restrictions on syringe exchange programs violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • As part of the settlement, Lewis County repealed its ordinance on February 10, 2026.

The players

Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials (CLHO)

A coalition of local health officials in Oregon that has decided not to advance Senate Bill 1573 due to the federal court ruling in Washington.

Senate Bill 1573

A bill in the Oregon legislature that would have banned needle exchange programs from operating within 2,000 feet of schools and childcare facilities.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the legal challenges that can arise when trying to restrict access to harm reduction services like needle exchanges. Public health officials must balance concerns about proximity to schools with the need to provide these vital services to people struggling with addiction, in order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and save lives.