Pubdate: Thu, 08 Jun 2006
Source: Beverly Citizen (MA)
Copyright: 2006 Community Newspapers Inc.
Contact:  http://www2.townonline.com/beverly/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3553
Author: Bob Katzen
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?143 (Hepatitis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)
Note: Only portion related to syringe exchange archived here

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
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman