The Washington state Christian group Gather Church has announced a landmark legal settlement that introduces new federal protections for harm reduction services under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).[1] The settlement in Lewis County recognizes that the ADA applies not only to addiction treatment, such as the drugs methadone and buprenorphine, but also to harm reduction services that help drug users stay healthy without requiring abstinence.[1] Lewis County banned these services, including needle exchange programs, but Judge David Estudillo issued a preliminary ruling on December 31 that the ordinance violates state and federal law.[1] The district decided to settle in lieu of a trial scheduled for late 2027, pay $500,000 in legal fees and vacate the ordinance.[1] The Lewis County Board of Commissioners formally repealed the ordinance Tuesday in Chehalis.[1] The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said the ruling sets a precedent and warns other counties that they cannot impede access to life-saving services such as needle exchange programs.[1]