Bill > A01084

This bill establishes a statewide fentanyl test strip program that will provide free test strips to individuals through various distribution sites, including hospital emergency rooms, addiction treatment facilities, substance use disorder programs, homeless shelters, urgent care centers, mobile medication units, and other settings frequented by individuals with substance use disorders. The bill requires the commissioner of mental hygiene, in cooperation with the commissioner of health, to develop and conduct a public awareness campaign about the dangers of fentanyl, which will include information on where fentanyl may be found and details about the locations offering free test strips. Importantly, the bill includes a provision protecting individuals from law enforcement targeting when they obtain these test strips, with the aim of encouraging people to access these harm reduction tools without fear of legal consequences. The program will take effect 180 days after becoming law, and preparatory work on implementing regulations can begin immediately. The underlying goal appears to be reducing accidental overdoses by helping individuals test drugs for the presence of the potentially lethal synthetic opioid fentanyl.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1084