AB 37: Furnishing hypodermic needles and syringes.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law, the Pharmacy Law, provides for the licensure and regulation of pharmacists and pharmacies by the California State Board of Pharmacy. Existing law authorizes a physician or pharmacist to, without a prescription or permit, furnish hypodermic needles and syringes for human use to a person 18 years of age or older, and authorizes a person 18 years of age or older to, without a prescription or license, obtain hypodermic needles and syringes solely for personal use from a physician or pharmacist, as a public health measure, as specified. Existing law, when no other penalty is provided, makes a knowing violation of the Pharmacy Law a misdemeanor and, in all other instances, makes a violation punishable as an infraction.

This bill would expand the above-described provisions to authorize a delegee of a physician or pharmacist to furnish hypodermic needles and syringes for human use to a person 18 years of age or older. By expanding the scope of an existing crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. February 2, 2026From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2. January 31, 2026Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
3. January 6, 2026In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
4. January 5, 2026Re-referred to Com. on B. & P. pursuant to Assembly Rule 96.
5. January 5, 2026Re-referred to Com. on L. & E.
6. January 5, 2026From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on L. & E. Read second time and amended.
7. March 17, 2025Re-referred to Com. on L. & E.
8. March 13, 2025From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on L. & E. Read second time and amended.
9. March 13, 2025Referred to Com. on L. & E.
10. December 3, 2024From printer. May be heard in committee January 2.
11. December 2, 2024Read first time. To print.