California needle bill heads to governor's desk

A California bill that would allow pharmacies to sell up to 30 hypodermic syringes to adults without a prescription has been forwarded from the legislature to Gov. Gray Davis for his approval, the Los Angeles Times reports. The assembly passed the bill 41-31 earlier this week, while the senate approved it several weeks ago. The bill aims to reduce the spread of HIV and other diseases through needle sharing by allowing adults to purchase clean needles without a prescription. Last year Davis vetoed a similar measure because he preferred a plan that required a one-on-one needle exchange. Davis has not said whether he will sign this year's measure. If Davis does sign the bill, California will become the 46th state to allow adults to buy needles without a prescription.