Prohibits the sale of xylazine above a certain weight

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Nathalia Fernandez says this is needed

New York State is currently experiencing an opioid epidemic that has been worsened by the introduction of dangerous additives such as xyla- zine into the illicit drug supply. Traditional mitigation strategies- such as drug scheduling or the criminalization of low-level drug users- have proven ineffective. Xylazine, a tranquilizer intended strictly for veterinary use, is increasingly found in street drugs, especially those mixed with synthetic opioids like fentanyl. This combination is partic- ularly dangerous because xylazine does not respond to naloxone, the standard opioid overdose reversal agent. Xylazine causes severe complications in humans, including respiratory depression and extreme skin ulcers that lead to tissue decay, bacterial infections, and even amputation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the presence of xylazine in drug poisoning deaths rose by 1,238% from 2018 to 2021. In 2023, xylazine was found in over 25% of drug samples tested in New York City, though experts believe the actual prevalence is higher. Rather than relying on punitive or regressive approaches, this bill regulates the supply side of the problem by targeting large-scale sales of xylazine-specifically quantities of 50 grams or moreand requiring that such sales be documented and restricted to appropriate uses. Civil penalties are imposed on violators, and these fines are directed into a fund that supports treatment, public education, and harm reduction services. In drafting this bill, care was taken to protect legitimate veterinary and scientific use of xylazine. The bill is a balanced and proactive step to prevent this dangerous substance from worsening the opioid crisis, while ensuring resources are available to support those affected by substance misuse.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.