CALIF. BILL ALLOWING NEEDLE EXCHANGES GOES TO GOVERNOR

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- The Legislature has sent Gov. Gray Davis a bill
that would let cities and counties set up needle-exchange programs for drug
addicts.

Current state law bars such programs but four California cities -- Berkeley,
Los Angeles, San Francisco and Santa Cruz -- and Marin County have adopted
emergency ordinances allowing needle exchanges.

Davis' office said the Democratic governor has not taken a position on the
bill, which passed the state Senate on Tuesday.

At least 15 other states have authorized needle-exchange programs, though
there are exchange programs in more than twice that many states, according
to Assemblywoman Kerry Mazzoni's office.

Supporters of her proposal said studies have shown exchange programs reduce
the spread of the AIDS virus.

At least six other needle-exchange bills introduced in California since 1993
either died in the Legislature or were vetoed by then-Gov. Pete Wilson, a
Republican.