Bans on Lifesaving Program for People Who Use Illegal Drugs Violate the Americans with Disabilities Act

A federal court held that Lewis County, Washington's ordinance banning mobile syringe service programs (SSPs) and imposing distance requirements on brick-and-mortar SSPs likely violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. As part of the settlement, the discriminatory ordinance was fully repealed and the jurisdiction agreed to pay $500,000 in attorney's fees. SSPs reduce communicable disease, overdose risk, and connect individuals to medication for opioid use disorder.

The case has resulted in a settlement for Lewis County specifically; the ACLU notes it is monitoring other jurisdictions with similar restrictions and is prepared to litigate if necessary.