New York A9001: Establishes a medetomidine, benzodiazepine, nitazenes, and/or other harmful contaminants test strip program

What the bill says

An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to establishing a medetomidine, benzodiazepine, nitazenes, and/or other harmful contaminants test strip program.

From the introduced text, August 13, 2025:

AN ACT to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to establishing a medetomidine, benzodiazepine, nitazenes, and/or other harmful contaminants test strip program THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The mental hygiene law is amended by adding a new section 19.47 to read as follows: § 19.47 MEDETOMIDINE, BENZODIAZEPINE, NITAZENES, AND/OR OTHER HARMFUL CONTAMINANTS TEST STRIP PROGRAM. 1. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL ESTABLISH A PROGRAM WHEREBY INDIVIDUALS MAY RECEIVE, FREE OF CHARGE, DRUG TEST STRIPS TO DETECT THE PRESENCE OF CONTAMINANTS SUCH AS MEDETOMIDINE, BENZODIAZEPINE, NITAZENES, AND/OR OTHER HARMFUL CONTAMINANTS. THE FOLLOWING FACILITIES MAY APPLY TO DISTRIBUTE SUCH TEST STRIPS FOR MEDETOMIDINE, BENZODIAZEPINE, NITAZENES, AND/OR OTHER HARMFUL (B) ADDICTION TREATMENT FACILITIES; (C) FACILITIES FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER PROGRAMS; (D) HOMELESS SHELTERS; (E) URGENT CARE CENTERS; (F) MOBILE MEDICATION UNITS; (G) TREATMENT FACILITIES AS DEFINED IN PARAGRAPH FIVE OF SUBDIVISION (A) OF SECTION 22.09 OF THIS TITLE; AND (H) ANY OTHER SETTING, AS DETERMINED BY THE OFFICE, WHICH IS ROUTINELY ACCESSED BY INDIVIDUALS WITH A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER. 2. INDIVIDUALS SHALL NOT BE TARGETED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT WHEN THEY ARE OBTAINING TEST STRIPS FOR MEDETOMIDINE, BENZODIAZEPINE, NITAZENES, AND/OR OTHER HARMFUL CONTAMINANTS AT THE FACILITIES PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION. EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Phillip Steck (D, 110) · primary sponsor
• Judy Griffin (D, 21)
• Albert Stirpe (D, 127)
• Thomas Schiavoni (D, 1)
• John McDonald (D, 108)
• William Conrad (D, 140)
• Brian Manktelow (R, 130)
• Joseph DeStefano (R, 3)
• Robert Smullen (R, 118)
• Scott Gray (R, 116)
• Brown, Keith (R, 12)
• William Colton (D, 47)

Latest actions

1. June 4, 2026: RETURNED TO ASSEMBLY
2. June 4, 2026: PASSED SENATE
3. June 4, 2026: 3RD READING CAL.1742
4. June 4, 2026: SUBSTITUTED FOR S9221
5. April 27, 2026: REFERRED TO ALCOHOLISM AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS
6. April 27, 2026: DELIVERED TO SENATE
7. April 27, 2026: PASSED ASSEMBLY
8. April 23, 2026: ADVANCED TO THIRD READING CAL.366
9. April 21, 2026: REPORTED
10. February 10, 2026: REPORTED REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS

Votes

• Senate Floor Vote (June 4, 2026): 60 yea, 0 nay, passed
• FLOOR Vote (June 4, 2026): 60 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Assembly Floor Vote - Final Passage (April 27, 2026): 141 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Assembly Ways And Means Committee: Favorable (April 21, 2026): 34 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Assembly Alcoholism And Drug Abuse Committee: Favorable refer to committee Ways and Means (February 10, 2026): 13 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is A9001?

A9001 is a bill in the New York Legislature (2025-2026 General Assembly): Establishes a medetomidine, benzodiazepine, nitazenes, and/or other harmful contaminants test strip program.

What does A9001 do?

In its own words: An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to establishing a medetomidine, benzodiazepine, nitazenes, and/or other harmful contaminants test strip program.

What is the status of A9001?

Passed both chambers as of June 4, 2026. Latest action: RETURNED TO ASSEMBLY (June 4, 2026).

Who sponsored A9001?

Phillip Steck (D, 110), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for A9001?

On the New York Legislature website: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9001