S 1814 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Replaces the words addict and addicts with the words persons with substance use disorder or a variation thereof

This bill updates various state laws by replacing the terms "addict" and "addicts" with "person with substance use disorder" or similar variations. It amends sections of the judiciary law, mental hygiene law, and public health law to reflect this change. This affects legal proceedings, medical treatment, and official definitions related to individuals experiencing substance use challenges. The primary aim is to standardize person-first language across relevant statutes.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 14, 2025 Last action May 19, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

S1814 → S1814A · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends multiple state laws to replace the term 'addict' with 'person with substance use disorder' across various legal contexts, including judicial proceedings, mental hygiene programs, and public health regulations. The changes aim to use more person-first, non-stigmatizing language when referring to individuals struggling with substance use issues.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope by adding a new provision to the public health law regarding dispensing controlled substances for use by persons with substance use disorders, while also updating existing provisions in the judiciary law, mental hygiene law, and public health law to use updated terminology.

DEFINITION

Replaced the term 'addict' with 'person with substance use disorder' throughout the judiciary law, mental hygiene law, and public health law to reduce stigma and align with modern terminology.

ELIGIBILITY

Added new language to the public health law regarding the dispensing of certain controlled substances specifically for use by persons with substance use disorders.

REQUIREMENT

Updated legal requirements in mental hygiene programs to refer to 'people with substance use disorder' instead of 'addicts' when discussing detoxification and treatment programs.

TECHNICAL

Minor formatting changes including bill number designation (S1814 to S1814-A) and page number updates in the legislative document.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 8, 2025

Introduced

AMEND BY RESTORING TO ORIGINAL PRINT 1814

upper

Feb 18, 2025

Upper · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 1814A

upper

Feb 18, 2025

Upper · Passed

AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO JUDICIARY

upper

Jan 14, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

upper

1 primary · 2 co-sponsors