Assembly OKs Bill That Would Allow Dispensing of Syringes

The Assembly has approved a bill (AB 1701) by Assembly member Wesley Chesbro (D-Santa Rosa) that would make the Disease Prevention Demonstration Project a permanent program. The initiative aims to curb the spread of HIV, hepatitis and other diseases by allowing participating pharmacies to sell up to 10 syringes to an adult without a prescription. A 2004 bill established a pilot version of the program, which is set to expire at the end of 2010.

• "Chesbro Health Bill Moves Forward" (Eureka Times Standard, 4/21).