California has filed a lawsuit against El Dorado County and the City of Placerville over the jurisdictions’ bans on needle exchange programs.
The suit was filed by State Attorney General Rob Bonta and Jennifer Bunshoft for the California Department of Public Health. It argues the harm reduction bans are preempted by state law, which gives the health department authority to approve syringe programs to stop the spread of disease. The state also claims that the success of these programs is irrefutable.
"'Don't believe your lying eyes' is what they are telling you," El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson told CBS News. "It is absolutely absurd for them to say it doesn't increase drug use, yet, it has increased drug use. Take a look around in cities around the state of California."
Pierson said ‘failed policies’ like needle exchange have normalized drug use and contributed to skyrocketing overdose rates in other counties. Now the state wants to force those policies on localities that have decided to try a different path.
The state’s lawsuit could have implications beyond El Dorado County. Placer County cities like Rocklin, Loomis and Auburn have banned needle exchange programs as well.