Texas is moving closer to becoming the final U.S. state to allow needle-exchange programs, where drug addicts trade dirty needles for clean ones to prevent the spread of AIDS and other diseases, the San Antonio Express-News reported April 26.

The Texas state Senate voted 22-7 in favor of a needle-exchange bill introduced by GOP Sen. Bob Deuell, who is a doctor. "[Needle exchange] brings people in to get rehabilitated. It lessens the contaminated needles in the drug-using community. It cuts down on diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B and C," said Deuell. "And, in the long run, it will save the state money."

The measure still must be approved by the Texas House, where its fate is uncertain. Texas is the only U.S. state that does not allow needle exchanges.