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SB 486 is no longer active.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 Released02/25/2010 - 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