Bill > A05144

This bill amends the New York State Executive Law to expand crime victim assistance funds to include victims who die from overdoses caused by specific circumstances. Specifically, the bill allows crime victim assistance funds to be awarded in cases where a person dies from an overdose involving deception, surreptitious (secret) delivery, or third-party administration of a controlled substance. The bill defines "deception" broadly, including situations where a third party sells or delivers a substance without fully and accurately disclosing its contents to the recipient. The legislation modifies existing definitions of "specified crime" and "victim" to include these overdose scenarios, essentially treating such deaths as a form of criminal victimization. This change aims to provide financial support to families of individuals who have died from intentionally misleading or covert drug administration, recognizing the potentially criminal nature of such overdose circumstances. The bill would take effect immediately upon becoming law.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5144