This bill amends multiple New York State laws to replace the terms "addict" or "addicts" with "person with substance use disorder" or a similar phrase throughout legal texts. It specifically updates references in the judiciary law (affecting court proceedings), mental hygiene law (governing treatment programs), and public health law (regarding controlled substance dispensing). The change applies to all relevant legal documents, including those describing mental health hearings, treatment eligibility, and medication administration protocols. This terminology shift aims to reduce stigma by using person-centered language consistent with modern healthcare and legal standards. The bill was signed into law as Chapter 511 on November 21, 2025.
This bill (S 1946) allows individuals convicted of specific syringe possession offenses to have their court records sealed. It directly affects people convicted under Penal Law sections 222.10, 222.15, 222.25, 222.45 (current law) or former section 220.45 (prior to the bill's effective date). The key provision adds these conviction types to the list of offenses eligible for expungement under New York's criminal procedure law. The bill creates a legal mechanism for sealing these specific past records, without changing current possession laws or penalties.
Bill S 7617, known as the "Safer Consumption Services Act," allows the Department of Health to approve entities to establish overdose prevention center programs. These programs provide hygienic spaces for individuals to consume preobtained drugs, staffed by healthcare professionals or trained personnel. They offer sterile supplies, overdose prevention education, administer first aid, and provide referrals to substance use disorder treatment and other services. The bill grants immunity from criminal, civil, or administrative penalties to participants, program staff, and property owners solely for their good faith involvement in an approved program.
Clarifies that employment at any licensee under the cannabis law satisfies employment requirements for parole, probation or other state supervision unless the terms and conditions of said parole, probation, or state supervision explicitly prohibit such employment.
Relates to authorizing early parole release for incarcerated individuals where substance abuse was a significant contributing factor in the commission of the offense.
This bill establishes a voluntary certification program for recovery community centers that support individuals recovering from substance use disorders. It requires the state commissioner to create evidence-based regulations covering staffing, safety, participant rights, confidentiality, and coordination with other services. Certified centers will be listed on a state website as verified options, and the commissioner can inspect them, impose penalties for noncompliance, and ensure services are Medicaid-reimbursable. The program directly affects recovery centers seeking recognition and the state agency implementing oversight.
Establishes an intensive addiction and medical services integrated services pilot program to support two three-year demonstration programs that provide intensive addiction and medical services integrated services to individuals who have significant addiction and medical issues.
Prohibits nursing homes and care facilities that are registered with the state of New York and registered with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency, that maintains a stock of, and directly dispenses, controlled substance medications from denying admission to individuals receiving a controlled substance medication for a substance use disorder.
This bill repeals a specific provision (Section 265.37) of New York's Penal Law that previously made it a crime to possess ammunition feeding devices holding more than seven rounds. It directly affects individuals who might have faced charges under this outdated law. The key change is removing this criminal offense entirely, meaning possession of such devices will no longer be prohibited under state law. The bill does not create new restrictions or requirements - it simply eliminates an existing penalty.
Provides that possession of a condom or other reproductive or sexual health device may not be received in evidence in any trial, hearing or proceeding as evidence of conduct which would constitute an offense defined in article 230 of the penal law.
