Christie wants more safeguards before signing OTC needle bill
N.J. Gov. Chris Christie says lawmakers must put in more safeguards before he’ll sign a bill allowing pharmacies in New Jersey to sell hypodermic needles to people without prescriptions.
The governor conditionally vetoed the bill Monday.
The intent of the bill passed last month is to make it easier for IV drug addicts to get clean needles in an effort to slow the spread of blood-borne diseases such as AIDS.
Christie says he applauds the idea but won’t sign the bill unless it’s amended to require people buying needles to present a photo ID and proof of age.
The governor also wants a provision requiring the state to provide pharmacies with information about syringe disposal and drug treatment.
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