The bill aims to amend the law regarding the possession of fentanyl test strips by excluding them from the definition of "drug paraphernalia" under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. This change is intended to facilitate the use of fentanyl test strips, which are crucial for detecting the presence of fentanyl and its analogs in substances, thereby promoting public health and safety.
Specifically, the bill adds a new provision to Arkansas Code 5-64-101(12), stating that "drug paraphernalia" does not include a disposable, single-use test strip designed for detecting fentanyl. This legislative change is a significant step towards reducing the stigma associated with harm reduction tools and encouraging their use in combating the opioid crisis.
Statutes affected: SB 40: 5-64-101(12)