Good Samaritan (H 7248Aaa, S 2841Aaa)

This legislation will save lives by protecting from prosecution individuals calling for emergency care in the case of a drug overdose.  Currently, individuals witnessing a drug overdose often refrain from calling 911 out of fear that they will be prosecuted if drugs or drug paraphernalia are found on the scene.  As a result, many individuals who could be saved instead lose their lives to an overdose.  This legislation gives immunity from prosecution for some drug crimes to those who are present during an overdose when 911 is called.  Additionally, the legislation allows individuals who have been prescribed opioid antagonist drugs – used to counter the effects of opioids, and so safe as to have no ill effects even if the person who takes the antagonist is not under the influence of opioids at the time – to distribute these medications to individuals who do not have a prescription.