CLEAN-NEEDLE BILL OK'D FOR DISEASE PREVENTION

California adults would be able to purchase syringes from pharmacies,
without a prescription, under a bill approved by the Legislature on
Thursday meant to stop the spread of HIV and hepatitis C.

California is one of five states that ban the sale of syringes to
adults without a prescription.

Gov. Gray Davis, who vetoed a similar bill last year, has not taken a
position on this year's bill by state Sen. John Vasconcellos, D-San
Jose.

Vasconcellos said allowing adults to purchase clean needles would save
lives and money, and ``doesn't increase drug use.''