Kentucky is in the throes of the nationwide opioid epidemic and is second in the country in overdose deaths. This crisis is affecting all Kentucky families, regardless of where they live, or their race, religion, income, or education. Kentuckians living with substance use disorder need access to non-judgmental harm reduction tools and treatment – not punishment and incarceration.
Fentanyl test strips have been a vital part of reducing harm and preventing overdose deaths across the country. But under current state law, Kentuckians are unable to utilize these resources to save lives. HB 353 will create an opportunity for programs and providers to legally distribute test strips, removing barriers to access test strips, and eliminate the risk of being criminally charged with a class A misdemeanor. Most importantly, it will save the lives of Kentuckians with substance use disorder, giving them the opportunity to utilize community-based treatments.
Bill Movement:
- Introduced: 2/16/23
- Passed Committee: 3/01/23
- Passed House: 3/08/23
- Accepted by House or Senate: N/A
- Passed Committee: N/A
- Passed House or Senate: N/A
- Sent to Governor: N/A
- Action by Governor: N/A
