ALBANY – New York’s Governor has signed a package of bills that aim to fight the opioid crisis.
Governor Kathy Hochul put pen to paper on Thursday, saying the bills should reduce drug-related overdoses deaths across the state.
Specifically, the measures expand medication-assisted treatment, decriminalize the possession and sale of hypodermic needles and syringes, and encourage those suffering from addiction to seek help.
The explained that this is personal to her.
“It was about six years ago when we lost my beloved nephew to addiction, and he started out like many other families experience,” said Hochul. “He didn’t set out to be a teenage addict. That was not his goal in life.”
Additionally, the bills also expand the number of crimes committed by those with a substance use disorder that are eligible for diversion.
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