Bills Address Distribution of Over-the-Counter Syringes
Two bills before California lawmakers would extend or change a current law that allows counties to decide whether to permit pharmacies to provide syringes to individuals without a prescription. AB 1701 -- pending before the Senate Appropriations Committee -- by Assembly member Wesley Chesbro (D-Santa Rosa) would extend the current law, which expires at the end of the year, for eight more years. SB 1029 -- pending before the Assembly Appropriations Committee -- by Sen. Leland Yee (D-San Francisco) would give pharmacists permanent discretion. The initiatives aim to curb the spread of HIV, hepatitis and other diseases.
- "Lawmakers Debate Whether To Extend, Expand, End Syringe Sales" (Richman, Oakland Tribune, 7/24).