Assemblyman Keith P. Brown’s (R,C-Northport) Assembly Bill A.4244 was unfortunately blocked by the Assembly Majority and held in the Codes Committee to prevent the bill from making it to the Assembly floor for fair debate. Assembly Bill A.4244 would have allowed a court, certain mental hygiene professionals and law enforcement officers to temporarily detain individuals who have received an opioid antagonist medication like naloxone and have shown they run the risk of continuing to abuse potentially deadly substances. Brown asserts that the decision to withhold this life-saving proposal is a mistake that could carry devastating consequences for New Yorkers struggling with mental health and/or substance use disorders.

“It is truly unfortunate this proposal has been blocked by Albany Majority lawmakers,” said Brown. “A.4244 would make a tremendous difference in keeping individuals with substance use disorder safe from harm while also keeping innocent New Yorkers safe from those individuals who have demonstrated they are unstable or capable of causing serious physical harm. With the presence and use of heroin and synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl on the rise in our communities, it is critical that those with substance use disorders are kept off the streets until they receive treatment. What if an impaired individual decided to get behind the wheel and drive? What if an individual was released by paramedics or health care professionals after receiving naloxone and they go straight back to using the drug that resulted in an overdose?”

“To best protect our citizens, we have to be able to see around corners and have policies in place that compel individuals to receive treatment for substance use disorders before tragedy occurs.”