Rep. Jodi Newell (D-Keene) has introduced a bill to remove drug testing and analyzing equipment from the definition of drug paraphernalia in the controlled drug act. This will enable the distribution of, for example, test strips that can be used for the detection of fentanyl, to assure that it has not been mixed in with other drugs that someone may be taking. This is an important means of harm reduction that will help prevent deaths by overdose.
As Jodi says:
The central point is that the inclusion of testing & analyzing equipment as drug paraphernalia is a deterrent to carrying it.... When individuals are stopped or questioned by law enforcement, the drug paraphernalia categorization allows for an independent possession charge or reasonable suspicion that allows for search, detainment, etc. This serves as a deterrent to carrying something (like fentanyl test strips) that could very well save your life of someone else’s.
Watch Jodi's testimony as she introduces HB 287, her first bill, before the House Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety.