Hypodermic needles and syringes.

Assembly Member Zbur's proposal to permanently authorize pharmacists and physicians to furnish hypodermic needles and syringes without a prescription removes the January 1, 2026 sunset date from current California law. The measure maintains existing provisions allowing individuals 18 and older to obtain needles and syringes for personal use from pharmacists or physicians without a prescription.

The bill codifies requirements for pharmacies that provide nonprescription syringes, including secure storage protocols and disposal options. Pharmacies must offer at least one of three disposal methods: an onsite collection program, mail-back sharps containers, or standard sharps disposal containers. The legislation also requires pharmacies to provide information about drug treatment programs, HIV and hepatitis C testing and treatment, and proper sharps disposal when furnishing nonprescription syringes.

The measure exempts from criminal penalties both the possession of properly containerized needles and syringes intended for disposal and the possession of these items for personal use. While the bill creates no new state-mandated costs for local agencies, pharmacies may need to implement or maintain compliant storage and disposal programs.