The California Assembly has approved a measure that would remove a ban on using state funds to buy needles for clean syringe exchange programs. Supporters say the bill would help ease budget woes that many programs face. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.
There are more than two-dozen clean needle exchange programs in California. The law allows these programs to receive state funding, but prohibits the use of state money to buy needles.
The Assembly bill would change that.
Dr. Linda Lloyd is with the Alliance Healthcare Foundation, a group that funds San Diego's needle exchange. She says these kinds of programs are beneficial.
Lloyd : Clean syringe exchange programs do prevent the transmission of not only HIV, but also hepatitis C among drug users, as well as the sexual partners of these individuals.
Governor Schwarzenegger has not taken a position on the bill, but his aides say he's working with the measure's author.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
