In the state’s ongoing effort to stem the effects of the opioid epidemic, Governor Kathy Hochul signed five opioid-related bills into law on October 7.

The bills Hochul signed (S.911/A.2354, S.1795/A.533, S.2523/A.868, S.6044/A.128, S.7228/A.5511) are meant to reduce overdose deaths by expanding the possession of “opioid antagonists,” establish a directory for distributors of opioid antagonists, decriminalize the possession and sale of hypodermic needles and syringes, establish a program for the use of “medication assisted treatment” for people currently incarcerated, and create judicial diversion programs for certain felony offenders.

"Addiction can impact any family, suddenly and harshly - those who find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle are there through no fault of their own," Governor Hochul said. "This is a personal battle for me and I am proud to be able to combat the opioid crisis by signing these bills into law. There is no shame in seeking help for substance use and I want to let all New Yorkers know that we are here for you. Treatment should always be accessible for those who need it."

The Bills In Brief:

Legislation S.911/A.2354 amends current laws to allow for the promotion of the use of opioid antagonists in preventing drug-related overdoses. This bill also decriminalizes the possession of opioid antagonists, which the state defines as “drugs that block opioids by attaching to opioid receptors without activating them.”

Legislation S.1795/A.868 helps establish a program that would utilize medication-assisted substance use disorder treatment (MAT) for people incarcerated in state and local correctional facilities. Per the law, having a program at such correctional facilities gives incarcerated people access to medications and therapies to help them overcome their substance disorder and “lessen the likelihood that they may suffer drug-related overdoses upon their reentry into society.”

Legislation S.2523/A.868 decriminalizes the possession and sale of hypodermic needles and syringes. Lawmakers say that the act of decriminalizing drug-related paraphernalia contributes to public safety by “permitting harm reduction approaches for those suffering from substance use disorder and by reducing the rate at which HIV and hepatitis are transmitted.”

Legislation S.6044/A.128 creates an online directory for distributors of opioid antagonists, making them more accessible to people who may want to equip themselves with these life-saving medications. The directory will be maintained by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports website.

Legislation S.7228/A.5511 expands the number of eligible crimes committed by someone with a substance disorder that may allow them to be considered for a “substance use” diversion program. The law also updates the term "substance abuse" to "substance use."