NEEDLE-EXCHANGE BILL IS WITHDRAWN

Facing an all-but-certain veto from Gov.Gray Davis,a bill passed by
the Legislature to authorize needle exchanges for drug users has been
withdrawn from Davis' desk.

Although some needle-exchange programs already operate under
emergency local regulations, the bill would have authorized local
governments to adopt programs provided they meet certain
requirements.

The bill's author, Assemblywoman Kerry Mazzoni, D-Novato, said
Wednesday she will replace the bill with one that would guarantee
immunity from prosecution for counties that declare local health
emergencies to operate needle exchanges.