New York Assembly Bill A05121

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/12/25
• Refer: 2/12/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Requires public residential buildings that receive funding through the department of housing and urban development or the division of housing and community renewal to have a supply of at least one dose of naloxone readily accessible for residential use as provided by OASAS.

Summary

Bill A05121 mandates that public residential buildings receiving funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the Division of Housing and Community Renewal must maintain a supply of naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, for resident use. The bill specifies that at least one dose of naloxone must be readily accessible in common areas of the building, such as lobbies or hallways, and must be stored securely yet unlocked for easy access by residents. The Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) is tasked with maintaining this supply, ensuring that naloxone is available at all times, and funding for the program will come from OASAS and the opioid settlement fund.

Impact

The bill will amend the public housing law in New York, directly impacting public residential buildings that receive federal or state funding. By requiring these buildings to maintain naloxone supplies, the legislation aims to reduce the incidence of opioid overdoses in vulnerable populations living in public housing. This initiative aligns with broader public health efforts to combat the opioid crisis and may influence how public housing authorities manage health and safety resources.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A05121 appears to be supportive, as it addresses a critical public health issue by providing residents with access to lifesaving medication. Discussions in committee may reflect a consensus on the importance of combating opioid overdoses, although specific concerns regarding implementation and funding may arise as the bill progresses.

Contention

Notable points of contention may include concerns about the logistics of maintaining naloxone supplies in public housing, including the responsibilities of building managers and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports. Some stakeholders may question the adequacy of funding sources, particularly the reliance on the opioid settlement fund, and whether this will be sufficient to sustain the program long-term.