State lawmakers Friday approved a measure to will allow people to buy hypoder mic needles without a pre scription despite the protests of local lawmakers.

Proponents said making the needles more accessible will help fight infectious dis eases like HIV. Critics said it amounts to the state endorsing the use of illegal drugs.

Gov. Mitt Romney is expected to veto the bill.

State Sen. Scott Brown, RWrentham, said he voted against the measure because making needles easier to get will make it easier for addicts to abuse drugs.

`` It's just common sense: The more needles, the more use. Just like the more guns, the more gun accidents,'' he said. State Sen. James Timilty, D-Walpole, also said making needles more accessible will encourage more drug abuse.

He voted against the bill.

Brown said another prob lem would be safe disposal of the needles. He said addicts are not going to care where they leave the needles.

Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, a candidate for governor, has criticized the Legislature for passing the bill.

`` We know dirty needles discarded by drug users already end up on streets, in our parks and at our beaches,'' she said. `` The bill before the Legislature is not the answer and will only make the problem worse.''

Proponents of the bill said sharing dirty needles is a major cause of the spread of diseases like HIV.

Drug addicts are going to use narcotics in any case, so it is better that they use clean needles, proponents say.

Supporters include Middlesex County District Attorney Martha Coakley, a candidate for state attorney general, and majorities in the House and Senate.

She said there has been no increase in crime or drug use in states that have legalized the needles.