Governor Newsom Signs Assemblyman Tri Ta's AB 1587 to Protect Patients with Life-Threatening Conditions
by: Emanuel Patrascu
Published: July 14, 2026
SACRAMENTO...Assemblyman Tri Ta (R-Westminster) today announced that Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1587, bipartisan legislation that helps ensure Californians with life-threatening medical conditions do not face dangerous interruptions in their medication when they are unable to obtain a timely prescription renewal.
Under existing law, pharmacists may provide emergency refills in limited circumstances. AB 1587 expands that authority by allowing pharmacists to furnish up to a 30-day supply of medication for patients with life-threatening conditions when the pharmacy has previously dispensed the medication to the patient and the patient cannot obtain a new prescription before running out.
AB 1587 addresses situations in which a patient temporarily loses access to their prescribing physician—such as when a doctor is on vacation, retires, relocates, or is otherwise unavailable—helping ensure treatment is not interrupted while the patient establishes care to get the help they need.
"No Californian should have to worry about running out of a life-saving medication because they couldn't reach their doctor in time," said Assemblyman Tri Ta. "AB 1587 is a common-sense, bipartisan solution that puts patients first while giving pharmacists the tools they need to prevent dangerous gaps in treatment. This law will help protect some of our state's most vulnerable residents when every day, and every dose, matters."
The legislation also provides liability protection for pharmacists acting in accordance with the law and defines "life-threatening" under existing state law.
AB 1587 received unanimous bipartisan support throughout the legislative process before being signed into law by Governor Newsom.
"This is the type of legislation that brings people together," Ta said. "I appreciate my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, the pharmacy community, patient advocates, and Governor Newsom for recognizing the importance of ensuring continuity of care for Californians who depend on these medications."
The new law will take effect on January 1, 2027.
Assemblyman Tri Ta represents northwest Orange County in the California Legislature. The 70th District includes Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Los Alamitos, Midway City, Rossmoor, Stanton, Westminster and portions of Huntington Beach, Santa Ana and Seal Beach.