Bill > A1894

Introduced Session

This bill exempts certain supplies from State criminal drug paraphernalia laws. Current law establishes criminal penalties for possessing, manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, or advertising drug paraphernalia, which items used in connection with the production, distribution, and use of illicit drugs. Current law provides certain exceptions from the definition of "drug paraphernalia" for fentanyl test strips and hypodermic needles and syringes that are sold by a pharmacy. This bill expands the current exceptions from the definition of "drug paraphernalia" to include: 1) equipment, products used for testing and analyzing a controlled dangerous substance; 2) testing equipment other than fentanyl test strips, used or intended for use identifying, or in analyzing the strength, effectiveness or purity of controlled dangerous substances or controlled substance analogs; 3) dilutants and adulterants, such as quinine hydrochloride, mannitol, mannite, dextrose and lactose, used or intended for use in cutting controlled dangerous substances or controlled substance analogs, which are provided by an entity authorized to provide harm reduction services; 4) blenders, bowls, containers, spoons and mixing devices used or intended for use in compounding controlled dangerous substances or controlled substance analogs, which are provided by an entity authorized to provide harm reduction services; 5) objects used or intended for use in ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing cocaine, nitrous oxide or the fumes of a toxic chemical, other than marijuana or hashish, into the human body, which are provided by an entity authorized to provide harm reduction services; and 6) "harm reduction supplies." Under the bill, "harm reduction supplies," means any materials or equipment used or intended for use in preventing, reducing, or mitigating the adverse effects associated with the personal use of controlled dangerous substances, controlled substance analogs, or toxic chemicals, which adverse effects may include, but are not limited to, disease transmission and overdose. "Harm reduction supplies" includes, but is not to be limited to: naloxone hydrochloride and other opioid antidotes; test strips and other supplies or equipment designed to identify or analyze the presence, strength, effectiveness, or purity of controlled dangerous substances, controlled substance analogs, toxic chemicals, or other substances used to potentiate or enhance the effects of controlled dangerous substances, controlled substance analogs, or toxic chemicals; and supplies or equipment provided by an entity authorized to provide harm reduction services in accordance with the provisions of P.L.2006, c.99 (C.26:5C-25 et al.).

Committee Categories

Herbert Conaway (D)*,  Shanique Speight (D)*, 

Withdrawn Because Approved P.L.2023, c.224. (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document