HOCHUL-NEEDLES-DRUGS
ALBANY, NY (77WABC) – Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill that would decriminalize the public use and sale of needles. The new law goes into effect immediately.
The new law eliminates a section of the state’s penal code that says possessing a needle or syringe in public is a class-A misdemeanor. The law also removes the cap of 10 needles allowed per sale to individuals under the old law.
Addiction can impact any family, suddenly and harshly – those who find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle are there through no fault of their own,” Governor Hochul said. “This is a personal battle for me and I am proud to be able to combat the opioid crisis by signing these bills into law. There is no shame in seeking help for substance use and I want to let all New Yorkers know that we are here for you. Treatment should always be accessible for those who need it.”
- A bill meant to promote greater use of overdose medications like Narcan by decriminalizing them. Among other things, authorities won’t be allowed to use possession of a medication like Narcan as evidence when pursuing drug charges against someone. Possession of overdose medication also won’t be allowed as evidence that a building is being used as a drug dealing site.
- A bill to establish medication assisted substance use disorder treatment programs in state prisons and local jails. Medication assisted treatment programs use a combination of counseling and medication to help people who abuse drugs. The medications could include methadone, buprenorphine and others.
- A bill to establish an online directory of distributors of overdose medications, which will make them more accessible to New Yorkers.
- A bill to expand the number crimes that could make someone eligible for diversion to a drug treatment program instead of prison.
