Needle Exchange Bill Passes Assembly

Assembly Clarifies, Confirms Use of State Funds for Needle Exchange Programs

SACRAMENTO – The Assembly today approved legislation authored by Assemblymember John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) that clarifies use of state funds to support locally-run needle exchange programs that reduce needle sharing, save lives and reduce the burden on taxpayers.

“Clean needle exchange programs are an essential part of locally-focused efforts to reduce the transmission of HIV and other blood-borne diseases,” said Assemblymember Laird.  “This bill clarifies state support for local programs that save lives and protect our communities.”

Specifically, AB 110, would (1) clarify current state policy to make clear that local public agencies may use state HIV prevention and education funds to support authorized clean needle and syringe exchange programs, and (2) grant local agencies the authority to purchase sterile hypodermic needles and syringes for authorized clean needle and syringe exchange programs, a policy currently prohibited by the state.  AB 110, co-sponsored by the Drug Policy Alliance Network and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, continues an effort started in 2005 by Mr. Laird to support local needle exchange programs. 

 According to a study published in the November 2006 issue of the peer-reviewed journal Medical Care, researchers now estimate that an American found to be infected with HIV can expect to live 24 years on average, and the cost of healthcare for that individual over that period of time is more than $600,000.

Statistics compiled by the California Department of Health Services (DHS) reveal that sharing of contaminated syringes is linked to 20 percent of all reported AIDS cases in the state.  The DHS data suggests that 1,000 to 1,500 new HIV infections occur annually in California due to the sharing of needles.

AB 110 now heads to the Senate for consideration.