A2725A

The Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation requiring opioid antagonists be available in certain New York workplaces, approving Assembly Bill 2725A on a 52-1 vote. The measure, sponsored by Assemblemember Paulin, mandates that workplaces already required to stock first aid materials also maintain opioid antagonists on hand to address overdose emergencies. Sen. Fernandez championed the bill as a lifesaving measure, arguing that addiction affects the workplace and that immediate availability of opioid antagonists gives overdose victims a fighting chance for survival. The legislation recognizes that addiction does not discriminate and affects coworkers, employees and their families. Only Sen. Walczyk voted against the measure. The bill takes effect 180 days after becoming law.