What's happening
This bill requires all New York colleges to screen incoming students for alcohol and substance use, including illegal drugs and prescription misuse.
Why it matters
Early identification and intervention. By requiring colleges to screen all incoming students, the bill aims to catch problematic alcohol or drug use early, potentially connecting students to help before serious issues develop.
Addresses prescription misuse and opioid crisis. The screening specifically covers both illegal drugs and prescription medications used non-medically, including opioids—reflecting concern over rising opioid misuse among young adults.
Standardizes prevention efforts across colleges. By mandating the use of evidence-based tools and providing state-developed guidance and resources, the bill seeks to ensure consistent, effective prevention and intervention practices at all New York colleges.
Could impact student privacy and campus culture. Mandatory screenings may raise questions about confidentiality, stigma, and how results are used, potentially affecting student trust and the overall campus environment.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Screen All Students for Substance Use
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 4
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to higher education
- Referred to higher education
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
629
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 4, 2017
Introduced by Sen. BOYLE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Higher Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to requiring alcohol and substance use screening for all incoming college students
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 6432-a to read as follows:
§ 6432-a. Alcohol and substance use screening. 1. Each college shall administer an alcohol and substance use screening or assessment to all incoming students.
2. The screening or assessment may be in person, online or written. This shall include the screening for illegal drugs and prescription medication for non-medical uses, including but not limited to heroin and other opioids.
3. Colleges may use evidence-based alcohol and substance use screening instruments already approved by the office of alcoholism and substance abuse services. The commissioner, in collaboration with the commissioner of health and the office of alcoholism and substance abuse services, shall develop guidance for colleges and provide resources and materials to assist in the development of a drug prevention program and alcohol and drug intake assessment.
§ 2. This act shall take effect the first of July next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05403-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring alcohol and substance use screening for all incoming college students
Purpose or general idea of bill
This bill will require all incoming students to take an alcohol and substance use screening or assessment.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1 of this bill requires colleges to administer an alcohol and substance use screening or assessment to all incoming college students.
Section 2 enumerates the ways in which assessments can be administered and requires the screening of illegal drugs, including but not limited to, heroin and other opioids.
Section 3 of this bill authorizes colleges to use evidence-based screening instruments approved by OASAS. Section 3 also directs the commissioner of education, health and OASAS to collaborate to develop materials for a drug prevention program and an alcohol and drug intake assessment.
Justification
This legislation will promote college health and wellness by addressing the increasing prevalence of alcohol and substance abuse among young adults. By requiring assessments of students, colleges can begin to tackle the rampant heroin and opioid epidemic in New York. With this information, colleges will be enabled to make appropriate and targeted alcohol and drug prevention informational programs. These assessments will also allow colleges to evaluate and refer students who may need additional health services to local prevention and/or treatment programs.
Prior legislative history
2015-16: referred to higher education
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
The first of July of the next succeeding date on which it shall have become law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.