Gov. Hochul signs group of bills to aid in fight against opioid crisis

SYRACUSE N.Y. — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a group of five bills aimed at reducing drug-related overdose deaths and encouraging those suffering from addiction to seek help.

“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,” said Hochul.” “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.”

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Thursday, Hochul signed the following bills:

• Legislation S.911/A.2354 would decriminalize possession of opioid antagonists, which are drugs that block opioids by attaching to opioid receptors without activating them
• Legislation S.1795/A.868 works to establish a program for the use of medication-assisted substance use disorder treatment for incarcerated individuals in state and local correctional facilities
• Legislation S.2523/A.868 would decriminalize the possession and sale of hypodermic needles and syringes. The act of decriminalizing drug-related paraphernalia contributes to public safety by permitting harm reduction approaches and reducing HIV and hepatitis transmission rates
• Legislation S.2523/A.868 establishes an online directory for distributors of opioid antagonists, making them more accessible. The directory will be maintained by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports
• Legislation S.7228/A.5511 expands the number of eligible crimes committed by individuals with a substance use disorder and updates the term “substance abuse” to “substance use,” ensuring a judge can order an individual to treatment instead of incarceration.

She was joined by senators, assemblymembers and advocacy groups who applauded her for signing the legislation.

"By signing these five overdose prevention bills, including one I introduced that creates an online directory that locates all distributors statewide of opioid overdose withdrawal drugs, Governor Hochul is helping to save the lives our loved ones and neighbors,” said State Sen. Pete Harckham. “Yet many of them are still facing Substance Use Disorder and its many challenges. We need to keep working together to give people every opportunity to get substance use treatment that keeps them on the path toward recovery and good health."