BEACON HILL ROLL CALL 0-5407

The Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senators' votes on three roll
calls from the week of May 29-June 2. There were no roll calls in the
House last week.

Table (Defeat) Legislation Legalizing The Sale Of Needles And Syringes (S 2512)

The Senate, 11-24, rejected a motion to table (defeat) a bill
legalizing non-prescription, over-the-counter sale of hypodermic
needles and syringes by pharmacists to anyone over age 18. Tabling a
bill is generally tantamount to defeating it. The legislation would
have required that all sales include an educational insert with
instructions about the proper use, dangers and disposal of needles
and the phone number of the state's AIDS and hepatitis C hotlines and
Substance Abuse Information and Education Helpline.

Massachusetts is one of only three states that still require a
doctor's prescription for these purchases. Supporters of the bill
argued that broader access would reduce HIV and hepatitis
transmission that is spread through the sharing of needles by illegal
drug users.

They noted that other states that have legalized the sale have shown
a reduction in these diseases and no increase in drug use or crime.
Some argued that four Massachusetts communities currently have needle
exchange programs that allow users to exchange dirty needles for
clean ones and noted that the programs have reduced the number of
diseases resulting from dirty needles.

Opponents of the bill said that allowing people to legally buy drug
paraphernalia to use illegal drugs like heroin is a ridiculous
notion. They noted that legalization would result in an increase in
carelessly discarded dirty needles that are a danger to anyone who
comes in contact with them. Some argued that several states are
considering legislation to repeal their legalization of the sale of
needles and syringes.

The Senate later gave initial approval to the bill on a voice vote,
without a roll call. The measure still needs further approval by the
Senate. The House in November approved a similar bill. If the Senate
gives the measure further approval, the two branches would have to
resolve the differences in the two versions prior to sending a bill
to Gov. Mitt Romney who has indicated that he is likely to veto it.

A "Yes" vote is for tabling the bill and therefore against
legalization. A "No" vote is against tabling the bill and therefore
in favor of legalization.

Sen. Frederick Berry Did Not Vote

Review Existing Needle Exchange Programs (S 2152)

The Senate, 35-0, approved an amendment requiring the Department of
Public Health to review the operation of the state's four needle
exchange centers in Boston, Cambridge, Northampton and Provincetown.
These programs allow users to exchange dirty needles for clean ones.
Amendment supporters said that the if the bill legalizing
over-the-counter sale of hypodermic needles and syringes is approved,
the four exchange programs should be reviewed to determine whether
they should be maintained, phased out or expanded to other communities.

Some noted that the four programs have reduced the number of diseases
resulting from dirty needles and encouraged many users who visit the
centers to receive counseling and seek treatment for their drug
habit. A "Yes" vote is for the review of the four needle exchange programs.

Sen. Frederick Berry Did Not Vote