Bill > A09001

This bill directs the commissioner of the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to establish a free drug test strip program that helps individuals detect dangerous substances like medetomidine, benzodiazepine, nitazenes, and other harmful contaminants. The program allows various facilities including hospital emergency rooms, addiction treatment centers, homeless shelters, urgent care centers, mobile medication units, and other settings frequently accessed by individuals with substance use disorders to distribute these test strips. The bill explicitly protects individuals from law enforcement targeting when obtaining these test strips and requires the commissioner, in cooperation with the Department to a public awareness and that educational campaign about the dangers of these substances. The campaign will provide details about where these contaminants might be found and inform the public about about free free the facilities. The bill will to reduce harm and increase safety for people exposed to dangerous drug contaminants by providing accessible testing tools and educational resources..The act will take effect 180 days after becoming passage, with immediate authorization to develop necessary implementation regulations.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9001