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Fentanyl Test Strips
Status
Passed by the Senate
Bill
An Act relative to fentanyl test strips
According to the Massachusetts Department of Health 2,323 people suffered from overdoses in Massachusetts between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, and in the first three months of 2023, fentanyl was present in 93% of fatal overdoses. This legislation passed by the Senate aims to help prevent overdoses and save lives.
Highlights
- Legalizes the sale, possession, and distribution of fentanyl test strips, and other testing equipment used to identify fentanyl, in the Commonwealth.
- Updates the Good Samaritan provision to protect those who in good faith provide, administer or utilize fentanyl test strips from criminal or civil liability.
- An Act relative to treatments and coverage for substance use disorder and recovery coach licensure (now law) included provisions to remove barriers to drug testing for fentanyl or other illicit drugs.
"Legalizing the sale and distribution of fentanyl test strips is a commonsense harm reduction strategy that will save lives in Massachusetts. As the fentanyl crisis has worsened across the country, a majority of states have already moved to legalize this lifesaving and cost-effective measure. It’s time for the Commonwealth to do the same. By passing this bill, we will empower police departments and community organizations to distribute fentanyl test strips and help prevent overdoses."
- Majority Leader Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton)
- Majority Leader Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton)
