What's happening
This bill creates the new crime of larceny of a controlled substance, making it a class A-II felony to steal more than 25 doses of certain drugs from a pharmacy.
Why it matters
Targets large-scale pharmacy thefts of drugs. By specifically criminalizing the theft of more than 25 doses of controlled substances from pharmacies, the bill aims to address organized or significant thefts rather than minor shoplifting or individual misuse.
Focuses on prescription drug abuse and diversion. The inclusion of Schedule II-V drugs (which include opioids, stimulants, sedatives, etc.) reflects concerns about the illegal distribution and abuse of prescription medications, a major driver of the opioid crisis.
Establishes severe penalties. Classifying this new crime as a class A-II felony means it carries some of the harshest penalties under New York law—potentially decades in prison—signaling a strong deterrent and making prosecution easier for law enforcement.
Could affect pharmacy operations and security. Pharmacies may face increased pressure to enhance security measures, inventory controls, and reporting practices to comply with the law and prevent becoming targets of high-stakes theft.
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Make Pharmacy Drug Theft Felony
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to codes
- Print number 1373a
- Amend and recommit to codes
- Referred to codes
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Make Pharmacy Drug Theft Felony
In Senate Committee · Rules · Sponsor Andrew J. Lanza
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1373--A
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 11, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. CUSICK -- read once and referred to the Committee on Codes -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to establishing the crime of larceny of a controlled substance
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The penal law is amended by adding a new section 220.80 to read as follows: § 220.80 Larceny of a controlled substance.
A person is guilty of larceny of a controlled substance when he or she commits the crime of larceny and the stolen property consists of more than twenty-five dosage units of a schedule II, III, IV, or V controlled substance which is stolen from a pharmacy. For the purposes of this section:
1. "Larceny" has the same meaning as defined in section 155.05 of this part.
2. "Pharmacy" means any place in which drugs, prescriptions or poisons are possessed for the purpose of compounding, preserving, dispensing or retailing, or in which drugs, prescriptions or poisons are compounded, preserved, dispensed or retailed, or in which such drugs, prescriptions or poisons are by advertising or otherwise offered for sale at retail.
3. "Schedule II, III, IV, or V controlled substance" means any substance listed in schedules II, III, IV, and V of section thirty-three hundred six of the public health law.
Larceny of a controlled substance is a class A-II felony.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02423-03-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.