BILL NUMBER: S5577
SPONSOR: SCARCELLA-SPANTON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act in relation to establishing the fentanyl abuse and overdose
prevention task force; and providing for the repeal of such provisions
upon expiration thereof
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Establishes the Fentanyl Abuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Establishes the fentanyl abuse and overdose prevention task
force.
Section 2. Provides that the task force will contain sixteen members.
Section 3. Describes the duties and powers of the Task Force.
Section 4. Relates to the appointments and vacancies of the task force.
Section 5. Allows the task force to consult with various organizations
and government entities to assist in developing its report,
Section 6. Requires that the task force report its findings within one
year to the governor and legislature with the findings and recommenda-
tions for further action.
 
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
 
JUSTIFICATION:
With the heightened trafficking of fentanyl and the spike in overdoses
due to laced fentanyl coming into the United States it is necessary for
a statewide taskforce to be implemented. While pharmaceutical fentanyl
is a synthetic opioid dispensed for treatment of severe pain, most
fentanyl overdose deaths are related to opioids mixed with heroin or
cocaine, often without the user's knowledge. Additionally, deadly
amounts of fentanyl are often added to other counterfeit pills being
sold as Xanax or oxycodone. These illegally made drugs are sold on the
drug market relatively cheaply, which is why so many individuals with a
substance use disorder can afford these drugs.
Overdose deaths involving these synthetic opioids has increased at an
alarming rate. The pandemic has further exacerbated. The situation, and
though naloxone, which can overturn an overdose if caught in time, the
overdose deaths continue to rise.
The purpose of the Fentanyl Task Force is to examine current abuse and
overdose trends, discuss ways to expand awareness about the severity of
using fentanyl illegally, promote access and availability of treatment
for substance use disorders and examine the expansion and distribution
of naloxone.
The Task Force shall also prioritize, along with the District Attorney's
Association of New York State, the prosecution of fentanyl drug dealers,
especially those who provide these fentanyl-laced drugs to victims who
die from ingestingthem.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2022 Session: Passed Assembly and Senate and Vetoed by Governor
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
Provides compensation for task force members' actual and necessary
expenses incurred in the performance of their duties and adequate fund-
ing shall be provided for the task force to carry out its powers and
duties.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately and shall expire 2 years after it shall have become a law
When upon such date the provision of this act shall be deemed repealed.