CA SB1029

Repeals prohibition on possessing hypodermic needles or syringes without a prescription, allowing persons 18+ to obtain up to 30 needles/syringes from a physician or pharmacist without prescription from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2018.

Eliminates the Disease Prevention Demonstration Project and replaces it with statewide authorization for physicians and pharmacists to furnish nonprescription hypodermic needles and syringes as a public health measure to prevent transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, and bloodborne diseases.

Permits possession of up to 30 hypodermic needles or syringes solely for personal use if acquired from authorized sources (physician, pharmacist, needle exchange program), creating an exemption from drug paraphernalia possession laws through December 31, 2018.

Requires pharmacies furnishing nonprescription needles and syringes to store them securely, provide disposal options (onsite collection, mail-back containers, or personal sharps containers), and provide written information or counseling on accessing drug treatment, HIV/hepatitis C testing, and safe disposal.

Requires the Office of AIDS and California State Board of Pharmacy to maintain information on their websites about accessing HIV/hepatitis C testing and treatment, drug treatment, and safe needle disposal.