New proposed legislation would make syringe possession legal in the state.
Officials say it's part of an effort to reduce HIV and hepatitis infections.
State and city leaders, health care providers, and advocacy groups were on hand Thursday to introduce the new legislation at a news conference in TriBeCa.
The legislation would repeal criminal law on syringe possession, improve access through pharmacies and not limit the amount of syringes people could buy.
"Getting drug addicts the ability to be able to have clean needles means that the amount of people that will be impacted by HIV, by hepatitis C and other transmitted diseases, will be lessened," said state Senator Gustavo Rivera of the Bronx. "And ultimately, we want to lessen the stigma of people that are drug addicts so that they can seek treatment without feeling like they're criminals."
More than 40 organizations from across the state are endorsing the legislation.
Officials say the policy could save people's lives and make them healthier.