Nebraska Legislature fails to override Pillen’s veto of needle exchange bill

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska Legislature failed Tuesday to override a veto of a proposal to distribute hypodermic needles to drug users to prevent the spread of diseases.

Legislative Bill 307, introduced by State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, passed 30-7 on Feb. 29.  But the proposal was vetoed by Gov. Jim Pillen, who called it “problematic.”

Senators voted 27-20 to override the veto, falling short by three votes.

If the bill became law, public or behavioral health programs could distribute needles.

The bill’s goal was to protect the public by promoting the safe use and disposal of syringes.

“I appreciate that state senators took the time to evaluate LB 307 and took due notice of concerns that caused me to veto the bill,” Pillen said in a statement.  “We need to invest in less harmful ways to combat drug usage and disease transmission that are in line with Nebraska values. I look forward to working with our state senators on those strategies in the next session.”

SEE ALSO: ‘It will save lives’: Nebraska man disappointed with Pillen’s veto of needle exchange bill

Seven state senators — Christy Armendariz, Carolyn Bosn, Tom Brewer, Rick Holdcroft, Jana Hughes, Fred Meyer and Mike Moser — voted no on the override despite initially voting in favor of the proposal.

In a post on social media, Hunt said she heard a “few radically shocking explanations” for why her colleagues changed their minds.