S55

The New York State Senate passed the Overdose Prevention and Recovery Act on a 52-1 vote, with only Sen. Walczyk voting in opposition. Sponsored by Sen. Fernandez, Senate Print 55 makes the Opioid Stewardship Fund permanent and mandates that at least 20 percent of its resources support recovery services with matching harm reduction investments. Fernandez argued the legislation is critical as overdose deaths have soared across New York State, devastating families and communities, while federal funding for recovery support services faces indiscriminate cuts. She characterized the bill as essential to ensure that recovery support services—described as lifelines helping people rebuild their lives—remain available to every person in need. The measure addresses what Fernandez called the need to support every step of someone's recovery journey, not just fight addiction on a single front. The bill takes effect immediately.