Bill > S00055

This bill enacts the Overdose Prevention and Recovery Act, which makes permanent the opioid stewardship fund originally established in 2018 and introduces several key provisions for its management and oversight. The bill requires that at least 20% of the fund's money be specifically invested in recovery services and supports, and another 20% be allocated to the Department of Health for harm reduction services like syringe exchange programs and drug user health hubs. The legislation mandates an annual detailed public report to be submitted by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports and the Department of Health, which must comprehensively outline how the funds were distributed, to whom, for what specific purposes, and with an evidence-based analysis of the effectiveness of funded programs in addressing substance use disorders. Importantly, the bill stipulates that these funds must supplement, not replace, existing federal or state funding for substance use disorder services, and that baseline funding levels cannot be reduced due to the introduction of these funds. The bill removes the previous sunset provision, effectively making the opioid stewardship fund a permanent funding mechanism to support addiction services and harm reduction efforts in New York State.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S55