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SB 486: Medical Sharps Disposal (2009)

Summary

Senate Bill 486 will help an estimated one million Californians safely dispose of their “sharps” (a type of medical waste that includes syringes and needles). The new law requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide information on their websites about the safe needle collection and disposal programs they offer, if any. In addition, they must also submit those plans to the State for display on a State website.

Senate Bill 486 was a winning entry in Joe’s annual “There Oughta Be A Law” contest. Betty Lipkin, a San Carlos resident living with multiple sclerosis, has several containers of ‘sharps’ in her home. She proposed the law to help individuals like herself manage their sharps conveniently and safely.

After this bill passed the Legislature, Senator Simitian sent a letter to the Governor urging his signature on this bill.

Final Status and Text

SB 486 is no longer active. Its final status was:
Signed into Law

You can read its final text on the Legislature's Bill Information site.

Background Information

The Sharps Coalition’s message in regards to Drug Maker Report Cards


News & Press Releases about SB 486

03/09/2010 - MEDIA ADVISORY: Report Card To Evaluate Drug "Sharps" Manufacturers Released

02/25/2010 - National MS Society Names Simitian Legislator of the Year

12/31/2009 - New year bringing new laws

10/12/2009 - Governor Signs ‘Sharps’ Disposal Bill To Keep Californians From Getting ‘Stuck'

09/25/2009 - Oakland Tribune: Gov. Schwarzenegger should sign bill regulating needle disposal

09/23/2009 - San Mateo County Times Op-Ed: Safe needle disposal is a shared responsibility

09/23/2009 - Simitian Launches Ninth Annual "There Oughta Be A Law" Contest

09/10/2009 - Simitian Aims to Keep Californians From Getting "Stuck": Bill on 'Sharps' Disposal Heads to Governor

04/30/2009 - "Oughta Be A Law" Bills Pass First Hurdle

03/19/2009 - Simitian Announces "Oughta Be A Law" Contest Winners

03/19/2009 - Simitian announces 'oughta be a law' contest winners