Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation aimed at helping people with addiction issues get help, as well as diminish the rate of overdose deaths.
One bill will decriminalize possession of drugs that are used to block opioids from attaching to opioid receptors. Drugs like this include Suboxone.
Another bill creates a program for medication-assisted substance use disorder in state and local jails and prisons. The goal is to help lower their chances of drug-related overdoses upon reentry into society.
A third bill will decriminalize the possession and sale of hypodermic needles and syringes.
An online directory will be established of distributors of medications like suboxone to make them more easily accessible.
Finally, the last bill allows for the number of eligible crimes committed by people with substance use disorders to be expanded. This allows for the consideration of a treatment program instead of incarceration.
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