Saturday, September 13, 2025

Latest

New York State Senators Push to Decriminalize Drug Possession

New York state senators introduced legislation that would decriminalize personal drug possession and shift the state’s approach to substance use from law enforcement to public health.

The bill, introduced by Democratic Senator Gustavo Rivera and four co-sponsors, would reclassify drug possession from a criminal offense to a civil violation carrying a $50 fine.

Individuals could avoid the fine by completing a health and social services screening within 45 days. The screening would evaluate needs for substance use treatment, mental health care, housing, and employment services.

“For far too long, New York and the rest of the US have centered their responses to drug use around enforcement,” the bill’s justification memo states. The legislation aims to “shift the focus from criminalization and stigma to a science- and compassion-based approach.”

The proposal would create a drug decriminalization task force to study and recommend additional reforms. The panel would include state health officials, legal experts, and individuals directly impacted by drug policies.

Task force members would examine appropriate quantities for personal possession, barriers to treatment access, and strategies to reduce racial disparities in enforcement.

The legislation includes provisions for automatic expungement of certain prior drug convictions. It would also protect individuals currently under parole or probation from penalties for conduct no longer considered criminal.

Rivera introduced similar legislation in 2023 that failed to advance. If passed, the new law would take effect in 180 days.


Information for this story was found via the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

Electric Metals: The Sole US Domestic Source Of A Critical Mineral?

Marimaca Copper: The MOD Feasibility Study

Avino Q2 Earnings: Steady As She Goes

Recommended

Northern Superior Expands Philibert With 350 Metre Step Out Testing 1.10 g/t Gold Over 25.5 Metres

Goliath Resources Hits 18.58 g/t Gold Over 5.00 Metres At Surebet

Related News

New York Becomes First State To Ban (Some) Crypto Mining

This week, New York became the first state to ban some types of cryptocurrency mining...

Sunday, November 27, 2022, 03:21:00 PM

New York Passes Law That Will Ban Gas Stoves, Natural Gas In New Buildings

New York has become the first state in the United States to ban the use...

Friday, May 5, 2023, 02:18:00 PM

Employers In New York Will No Longer Be Able To Demand Access to Personal Social Media Accounts . . . Because Apparently, They Could?

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has enacted legislation, Bill A836, prohibiting employers from demanding access...

Monday, October 2, 2023, 12:07:00 PM

New York to Build First Nuclear Plant in Decades

New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday ordered the state’s power authority to develop an...

Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 12:10:00 PM

New York Bets On First Big US Reactor Push in a Generation

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered the New York Power Authority to develop at...

Thursday, June 26, 2025, 07:31:00 AM