By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A controversial new ordinance regulating what can be distributed in Phoenix city parks is set to go into effect Sunday.
The law prohibits people and organizations from distributing food and needles in city parks unless they have a permit. Phoenix has more than 180 parks, making the change wide-reaching across the city.
Under the new rules, even groups that receive a permit must operate under a tent or from a mobile medical vehicle. The city will issue two permits per month for each park.
The ordinance also bans the exchange and distribution of needles in city parks, as well as the distribution of naloxone if it is administered with a needle and syringe. The rule does not apply to nasal naloxone, such as Narcan.
The Phoenix City Council approved the change last month after hours of public comment from people on both sides of the issue.
Supporters said the change will help keep parks cleaner and more welcoming for families. Some residents who spoke in favor of the ordinance raised concerns about needles being found in parks and said the rules would make those spaces safer for children.
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Critics, including some medical professionals and homeless advocates, argued the restrictions could hurt people experiencing homelessness and limit access to syringe service programs, which they said can help reduce overdose deaths.
Violating the ordinance is a class one misdemeanor, which could carry a fine of up to $2,000 or up to six months in jail. Violators could also be barred from applying for permits for certain periods of time.
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