NYS Lawmakers Propose Decriminalizng Syringe Possession

New York state lawmakers introduced legislation today that would decriminalize possession of syringes.

 

Current law allows users to legally obtain clean hypodermic needles at select pharmacies and syringe exchanges. But Assembly Member Richard Gottfried says police aren't quick to give addicts caught with syringes the benefit of the doubt.

 

"Unless you can affirmatively prove to the police officer -- legally you don't have to do this, but if you don't want to get arrested you do...How do you prove that you were over 18 when you bought it, that you only bought 10 and not more, and that you bought it from a pharmacy and not somewhere else?" he said.

 

Gottfried sponsored legislation that would repeal the criminal law on syringe possession.  Howard Josepher's President of a treatment center called Exponents.  He says the bill could reduce fear among addicts and inspire more to seek help. 

 

"Dead addicts don't recover," he said.

 

The proposal comes amid a resurgence of heroin use in New York State.