Bill > A05374

This bill establishes a comprehensive wound care kit and xylazine test strip distribution program designed to support individuals with substance use disorders or those at risk of drug use. The program will provide free wound care kits specifically designed to treat injection-related wounds and skin infections, as well as xylazine test strips to detect the presence of xylazine (a dangerous animal tranquilizer increasingly found in the drug supply). Facilities eligible to distribute these kits include hospital emergency rooms, addiction treatment centers, homeless shelters, urgent care centers, mobile health units, public health offices, and safe syringe programs. The bill explicitly prohibits facilities from collecting any personally identifying information about individuals receiving these kits and bars law enforcement from surveilling, investigating, or prosecuting facilities or individuals involved in distributing or receiving the kits. Additionally, the bill requires the development of a public awareness campaign to educate people about proper wound care, xylazine testing, and the availability of these free resources. Importantly, the legislation specifies that receiving a wound care kit or xylazine test strip cannot be used as grounds for arrest or property search, aimed at reducing barriers to accessing harm reduction services for vulnerable populations. The program will take effect 180 days after becoming law.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5374