A bill that requires annual reporting on substance abuse in state prisons was approved Saturday by Gov. Kathy Hochul, her office announced.

The legislation approved by the governor also requires the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports to update guidelines on substance abuse reports and require annual reporting on the most commonly used substances and treatments people received.

"New Yorkers struggling with addiction need our help and support as they go through the process of recovery," Hochul said. "Because of this legislation, we will have a greater understanding of the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals living with substance use disorders — giving us the critical tools needed to continue fighting the opioid crisis."

The measure is the latest Hochul has approved concerning the state's criminal justice system, including measures meant to aid formerly incarcerated people once they leave prison.

The legislation approved Saturday includes reporting requirements for which substances people in prison are using, the treatments that are being made available, how many people are receiving that treatment and the stage of their incarceration in which treatment began.

The reporting will also include how many people are discharged from treatment and why, as well as whether the discharge is related to their drug use or solitary confinement.

The new law takes effect immediately.

"Substance use disorder is a problem that has plagued people in every community of the state, and nowhere is this more evident than in our prisons and jails where as many as 80% of people incarcerated are battling addiction," said Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, the sponsor of the bill. "With this measure, a companion to the new law mandating medication assisted treatment for those in prisons and jail, New York State will receive detailed reporting on the current needs for substance use disorder treatment, allowing us to allocate the necessary resources to ensure everyone's needs are met."