Senate Bill S3600

Currently, the U.S department of Health and Human services has declared a public health emergency due to the number of overdoses across the country. This public health emergency has been renewed twenty times since 2017. The number of accidental overdoses continues to increase. In 2024 close to 6,000 New Yorker’s died from an accidental overdose.

In response to this public health emergency, the legislator proposed Senate Bill S3600. This bill would decriminalize simple possession of a controlled substance. The legislative intent behind such proposal is to remove criminal penalties for simple possession for individuals suffering from substance abuse disorder.

Substance abuse disorder is a health issue and as such recognized in the DSM as a mental health disorder. Therefore, the proposed bill is aimed at rehabilitation and moving away from punishing individuals battling mental health issues and substance abuse issues.