Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 309 into law, allowing California pharmacies to sell hypodermic needles and syringes without a prescription or permit to individuals aged 18 and older. The move has drawn criticism from the California Senate Republican Caucus, whose ten members had previously sent a letter urging the governor to veto the bill.
Senator Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) expressed disappointment with the decision. “It’s deeply disappointing that the governor signed AB 309,” said Seyarto. “This bill strips away local safeguards and leaves cities to deal with the consequences. California is already facing an unprecedented opioid and fentanyl crisis, and this law makes it easier for drug paraphernalia to circulate in our communities, putting children and families at greater risk.”
Caucus members referenced recent research indicating that harm reduction and drug decriminalization policies have contributed to worsening the opioid crisis. They pointed out that San Francisco has started closing open-air drug use sites due to concerns about these approaches.
Senator Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) stated, “This policy will create a harm encouragement trend for our communities and the people who are already struggling with illegal drug use. The legislature and the governor should not enable the state’s substance abuse crisis.”
Senator Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach) also criticized the new law, saying, “Once again, this governor is not prioritizing public safety or the needs of our community; instead, he’s giving carte blanche to drug dealers and normalizing the sale and possession of dangerous drug paraphernalia over the counter. Permissive policies like this one will only worsen the opioid crisis, not solve it. In Orange County, we’ve seen disturbing cases of used needles discarded in public areas, and that’s unacceptable. Signing this bill into law is the opposite of keeping our communities safe.”
