Bill > A00542

This bill aims to address the growing problem of dangerous synthetic opioids by expanding legal definitions and classifications related to fentanyl analogues. Specifically, the bill defines "fentanyl analogue" as a substance structurally related to fentanyl with various potential chemical modifications, such as changes to the phenyl, piperidine, or aniline portions of the molecule. The definition includes exceptions for pure fentanyl, FDA-approved drugs, and substances used under specific investigational exemptions. The bill also adds fentanyl analogues to Schedule I of controlled substances, which means these compounds would be treated as illegal drugs with high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Additionally, the bill clarifies that in legal proceedings involving fentanyl analogues, a person does not need to have specific knowledge of the substance's exact chemical structure to be considered to have acted "knowingly" in possession or sale of the drug. This legislation is designed to provide law enforcement and prosecutors with more tools to combat the spread of dangerous synthetic opioids that can be chemically altered to circumvent existing drug laws.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A542