H 528

 BILL AS INTRODUCED  H.528
 2026  Page 1 of 2
1H.528
2 Introduced by Representatives LaLonde of South Burlington, Burkhardt of
3South Burlington, Krasnow of South Burlington, Minier of
4South Burlington, and Nugent of South Burlington
5 Referred to Committee on
6 Date:
7 Subject: Health; drug paraphernalia; improper disposal of a hypodermic needle
8or syringe in a sensitive area
9 Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to create a
10 misdemeanor offense for improper disposal of a hypodermic needle or syringe
11 in a sensitive area such as a playground, park, child care facility, or school.
12    An act relating to improper disposal of a hypodermic needle or syringe in a
13    sensitive area
14 It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
15 Sec. 1. 18 V.S.A. § 4479 is added to read:
16 § 4479. IMPROPER DISPOSAL OF A HYPODERMIC NEEDLE OR
17SYRINGE IN A SENSITIVE AREA
18    (a) As used in this section:
19(1) “Playground” means any park or outdoor recreational area
20 specifically designed or intended to be used by children that has play
                                                                     VT LEG #385176 v.5
 BILL AS INTRODUCED  H.528
 2026  Page 2 of 2
1 equipment installed or provides space for children to engage in recreation or
2 athletics.
3(2) “Sensitive area” means the grounds of a playground, beach, park,
4 child care facility as defined in 33 V.S.A. § 3511, public or independent
5 school, or regional career technical education center.
6    (b) A person shall not knowingly or recklessly discard or dispose of a
7 hypodermic needle or syringe in a sensitive area. A person who violates this
8 section shall be imprisoned not more than one year or fined not more than
9 $1,000.00, or both.
10    (c) Subsection (b) of this section shall not apply to the containment,
11 treatment, and disposal of medical sharps waste from medical care or first aid
12 services rendered on the grounds of a child care facility, public or independent
13 school, or regional career technical education center, nor to the containment,
14 treatment, and disposal of hypodermic needles or syringes used for
15 instructional or educational purposes at such places.
16 Sec. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE
17    This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
                                                                   VT LEG #385176 v.5