The California Senate Republican Caucus is very disheartened to see that Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 309. The law authorizes pharmacies to distribute hypodermic needles and syringes over the counter without a prescription or permit to any person age 18 or older.
All ten members of the caucus had signed a letter urging the governor to reject AB 309 (D-Zbur, Hollywood), stating it would encourage and enable illegal drug use, even as the state is facing down a devastating illegal drug use crisis.
“It’s deeply disappointing that the governor signed AB 309,” said Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta). “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.”
Recent research underscores that both “harm reduction” and drug decriminalization policies have worsened the opioid crisis. Even the governor’s famously liberal hometown of San Francisco now recognizes the damage these policies cause and is reversing course, shutting down its open-air drug use sites.
“This policy will create a harm encouragement trend for our communities and the people who are already struggling with illegal drug use,” stated Sen. Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks). The legislature and the governor should not enable the state’s substance abuse crisis.”
“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,” said Sen. Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach). “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.”
Click HERE to read the veto letter signed by all ten Republican senators.