Bill > AB309

This bill permanently extends existing provisions that allow physicians and pharmacists to provide hypodermic needles and syringes without a prescription to individuals 18 and older as a public health measure to prevent the transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, and other bloodborne diseases. The bill removes the previous sunset date of January 1, 2026, making these provisions permanent. It requires pharmacies that furnish non-prescription syringes to counsel consumers on accessing drug treatment, HIV and hepatitis C testing and treatment, and safe sharps disposal. The bill also modifies existing law to clarify that individuals can possess hypodermic needles and syringes solely for personal use, and that needles and syringes containerized for safe disposal are not considered illegal paraphernalia. Additionally, the bill specifies that no state reimbursement is required for implementing these changes because they relate to changes in criminal definitions and penalties. By making these provisions permanent, the bill aims to support harm reduction strategies and public health efforts to minimize the spread of infectious diseases among individuals who use injectable substances.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB309