S56B

The New York State Senate passed legislation codifying a drug-checking center program operated by the Department of Health for the past decade, with a 35-25 vote along largely partisan lines. Senate Print 56B, sponsored by Sen. Fernandez, would formalize the existing program that allows individuals to test substances for dangerous adulterants like fentanyl and xylazine at a cost of approximately $2 million. Supporters framed the measure as a harm-reduction initiative that keeps people alive and informed, potentially connecting them to treatment options. Sen. Rivera, a co-sponsor, emphasized that "you cannot recover if you're not alive," while Sen. Harckham compared addiction to other diseases requiring medical intervention. Opponents, led by Sen. Lanza, argued the bill enables continued drug use and that mandatory treatment should be the priority instead. Sen. Murray criticized the inconsistency of supporting treatment while passing policies like cashless bail that release drug users back onto streets without help. The bill was restored to the noncontroversial calendar before the final vote.

The New York State Senate passed legislation codifying the Drug Checking Services Program, a public health initiative that has tested nearly 2,500 drug samples at 13 sites since its launch in October 2023. Senate Print 56B, sponsored by Sen. Fernandez, amends the Public Health Law to provide legal protections for program operators and users while empowering the Department of Health to monitor trends in the unregulated drug supply. The bill passed on a 42-19 vote. Fernandez argued the program uses advanced testing machines to detect multiple adulterants including fentanyl, xylazine, and other substances—capabilities that exceed simple test strips. She credited the program with contributing to a steady decrease in overdoses statewide and emphasized its importance to vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by the overdose epidemic. The legislation ensures the program remains protected amid what Fernandez characterized as federal attacks on behavioral health services. Nineteen senators voted against the measure.