FRANKFORT, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville's health department says its needle exchange program has seen more than 100 people in just over two weeks -- but as supporters hail its success, others are raising new questions.

Metro Council approved the needle exchange program last month as part of the new anti-heroin law, but some lawmakers in Frankfort are now questioning whether Louisville's program actually breaks that law.

Louisville's needle exchange program does not require drug users to turn in a dirty needle in order to get a clean one. That's why some Republican lawmakers say they're concerned the program may actually put more needles on the streets.

"And if we're not getting the dirty needles out, that's one of the things I really wanted to see in the bill," said Sen. Whitney Westerfield (R-Hopkinsville.)

But during a packed hearing of the committee that oversees implementation of the heroin law, the health department maintained that requiring a one-to-one exchange will do little to stop the sharing of needles and the spread of disease.

"To force us to do a program, or even to consider doing a one-to-one exchange program, really violates the spirit of the program," said Sadiqa Reynolds, the Louisville's chief of community building.

But some critics are suggesting Louisville's program is not just unwise but perhaps illegal.

"I certainly think there's a concern about that. I mean the law is explicit that there is an exchange required, and they're operating a distribution point," said Sen. Chris McDaniel (R-Taylor Mill.)

But Reynolds says the program has gotten the green light from the Jefferson County Attorney.

"I want to make sure that our employees are safe from any kind of criminal prosecution. And in this case, it's clear that they are," said Reynolds.

Republicans say they may need to tweak the law. In the meantime, both sides are waiting for an opinion from the Attorney General.

The Attorney General's office says the issue is under review, but there's no timetable for issuing the opinion.

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