Press Room

An Act relative to fentanyl test strips ensures that people in Massachusetts can use key testing materials to determine whether a substance contains fentanyl or its related synthetic opioids.

The bill guards against the flow of fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic drug, into the streets of Massachusetts and helps protect some of the most vulnerable lives in the Commonwealth.

It builds upon a law approved in 2024 which established criminal and civil liability protections for people who, in good faith, provide or utilize fentanyl test strips or other drug testing equipment.

According to the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, the Department of Public Health distributed nearly 400,000 fentanyl test strips in 2024. Fentanyl was present in 88.6% of opioid-related overdose deaths in 2024.

The details of the legislation are below.

Explicitly Allows Testing Equipment. Edits a list of prohibited drug paraphernalia to specifically exempt fentanyl test strips and fentanyl drug testing equipment. These are the vital materials to identify the presence of fentanyl, a potent and deadly synthetic chemical opioid.

Protects People Who Test for Deadly Synthetics. Expands criminal and civil liability protections to any person who, in good faith, provides, administers, or uses fentanyl test strips or other similar fentanyl testing equipment. People providing, administering or utilizing the tests would also be protected from professional disciplinary action. The protection would extend equally to first responders. This expansion ensures that first responders and other municipal workers can safely utilize this life-saving equipment.

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