Overdose deaths from opioids have reached levels unseen since 2015 due to an increased flow of fentanyl into New Hampshire. It is more important than ever for New Hampshire to adopt evidence-based harm reduction strategies to save lives.
HB 226 would make it easier for Granite Staters to access life-saving drug testing kits to prevent overdoses.
About the Bill
Under current law, with the exceptions of fentanyl and xylazine test strips, possession with intent to distribute lifesaving drug-checking equipment is an unclassified misdemeanor and punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,000.
HB 226 would make the use and distribution of test equipment legal in New Hampshire.
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Bill Status
HB 226 is currently laid on the table in the Senate pending a committee recommendation of Inexpedient to Legislate. The Senate may take the bill off the table to vote at any time in the coming weeks.
Bill Progress:
January 23: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee Hearing
March 5: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee votes on Inexpedient to Legislate Recommendation (9-7)
March 26: The New Hampshire House of Representatives votes to pass HB 226 with an amendment on voice vote, advancing it to the Senate.
April 15: Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing and Executive Session. Senate Judiciary Committee votes on Inexpedient to Legislate Recommendation (3-2)
May 1: Senate voted to Lay HB 226 on the table. This means the Senate has decided to pause voting on the bill.
