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Bill

S 5900

Relates to the distribution of educational materials regarding the misuse of and addiction to prescription drugs in counties with the most prevalent prescription substance use disorder

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Lanza and 1 co-sponsor

Summary of S 5900: Prescription Drug Misuse Education Bill Main Purpose and IntentThis bill aims to address the growing problem of prescription drug misuse and addiction, particula

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Bill Summary · S 5900

Summary of S 5900: Prescription Drug Misuse Education Bill

Main Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to address the growing problem of prescription drug misuse and addiction, particularly opioid abuse, by requiring the distribution of educational materials in counties with the highest rates of prescription opioid abuse.

Key Provisions

  • Directs the state's Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) to develop and distribute educational materials on the risks and dangers of prescription drug misuse and addiction.
  • Requires OASAS to identify the 10 counties in the state with the highest rates of prescription opioid abuse and overdose, and to prioritize the distribution of these educational materials in those counties.
  • Specifies that the educational materials must be made available to healthcare providers, pharmacists, schools, community organizations, and the general public in the target counties.
  • Mandates that the materials provide information on the warning signs of prescription drug addiction, steps to prevent misuse, and resources for treatment and recovery.
  • Appropriates $2 million in funding to OASAS to develop and distribute the educational campaign.

Affected Parties

  • Residents of the 10 counties identified as having the highest rates of prescription opioid abuse, who would receive the targeted educational materials.
  • Healthcare providers, pharmacists, schools, and community organizations in those counties, who would be required to make the materials available.
  • The Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, which would be responsible for developing and distributing the educational campaign.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill was introduced in the state Senate on March 3, 2025 and has been referred to the Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse for consideration.
  • If passed, OASAS would be required to develop the educational materials and identify the target counties within 6 months of the bill's enactment.
  • The distribution of the materials to the identified counties would need to be completed within 1 year of the bill's effective date.
  • The bill does not specify a sunset or expiration date, suggesting the educational campaign would be an ongoing effort.

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

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