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Bill Summary · SB 98

Legislative bill overview

SB 98 would legalize the possession of fentanyl test strips in Indiana, removing them from the list of drug paraphernalia that carries criminal penalties. Currently, Indiana law treats test strips as contraband associated with drug use, even though they are used to detect dangerous fentanyl contamination in other substances.

Why is this important

Fentanyl test strips are a harm-reduction tool that can prevent overdose deaths by allowing users to identify whether drugs contain fentanyl before consumption. Indiana has experienced significant overdose mortality increases, making detection tools potentially life-saving public health measures. The bill addresses the contradiction between public health interests and current criminal law.

Potential points of contention

  • Harm reduction vs. enabling debate: Opponents may argue that decriminalizing test strips enables drug use, while supporters contend they reduce fatal overdoses without increasing usage rates
  • Scope of change: Questions about whether test strips alone address the broader fentanyl crisis or if additional treatment/prevention measures are necessary
  • Implementation concerns: Unclear whether decriminalization includes distribution/sales of strips or only personal possession, and how law enforcement will distinguish legitimate from illegitimate possession

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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