A major shift in Indiana’s drug policy is on the horizon. The state Senate has passed House Bill 1167, paving the way for the legal use of drug testing strips. Advocates say this move could help prevent fatal overdoses and save lives.
Legalizing a Life-Saving Tool
The bill, which passed through the House earlier this month and cleared the Senate on Monday, would legalize the possession and use of test strips and field kits that detect substances like fentanyl and xylazine. Under current law, these strips can be classified as drug paraphernalia, making their use a legal gray area.
Supporters argue that lifting this restriction is a crucial step toward harm reduction, allowing individuals to test substances before use and potentially avoid lethal doses.
A Push for Harm Reduction
Organizations focused on recovery services, including project.Me in Fort Wayne, have been vocal in their support of the measure.
“If this bill was passed and testing strips were more readily available and easily used by people, that would also serve to decrease our overdose rates even more,” said Aisha Diss, founder of project.Me.
The ACLU of Indiana has also backed the bill, stating that decriminalizing drug testing equipment is a “commonsense reform” that prioritizes public health over criminal punishment.
How the Bill Changes Indiana Law
House Bill 1167 makes exceptions to the state’s paraphernalia laws, ensuring that:
- Test strips and field kits marketed for detecting drugs or controlled substances are no longer classified as illegal.
- Individuals using these tools for personal safety will not face criminal charges.
- Harm reduction organizations can distribute test strips without legal concerns.
These changes align Indiana with a growing number of states that have decriminalized drug testing strips amid rising overdose rates.
What Happens Next?
The bill is now on its way to Governor Braun’s desk. If signed into law, the measure would take effect on July 1, 2025.
For harm reduction advocates, this represents a significant victory. For critics, concerns remain over how it might impact broader drug policies. Either way, the debate over harm reduction continues to shape Indiana’s approach to the opioid crisis.
