Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal this week introduced a new bill that is a spin on an old proposal.

Rosenthal proposed creating injection sites around the state for those addicted to use drugs under supervision and, supporters say, under safe conditions. 

"The overdose crisis is multiplying. More and more people are dying, it's an emergency. We really have to get this done," Rosenthal said.

The bill authorizes a pilot program for supervised injection sites and would allow for five around the state. Rosenthal said the retooled bill is meant to alleviate concerns about the idea. 

"People are still scared about having these centers. People don't understand it saves lives," Rosenthal said.

Previous efforts in recent years for supervised injection sites in New York City and Ithaca have faltered. Critics have raised concerns with the proposal for potentially encouraging addiction, not treating it. 

"I think it addresses what the need is out there better. I also think this newer approach, a fresh start on this campaign, might have more success," Rosenthal said.

The new effort and revised bill has the backing of Ken Robinson, the executive director of Research for a Safer New York. 

"The other approach didn't work. We tried really hard to get a blanked authorization done and we couldn't get it done. So we took a step back and tried this more conservative approach," Robinson said.

Supervised drug use sites have opened outside of the United States and researchers say they show promise. But the United States is yet to open one. 

"Instead of having to send them out the door, what this will do will allow them to have a clean, safe place to consume their drugs," Robinson said.

And for now, it's not clear if the new legislation will be able to pass in time before the end of the legislative session next month.