A person who calls to seek medical attention for someone overdosing on drugs could be immune from prosecution under legislation approved by the House Judiciary Committee, reports State Rep Jim Cox (R-129)
Under House Bill 1149, immunity would be offered as long as an individual provided the correct name and location, cooperated with the responders, and remained with the person needing medical attention until the responders arrived.
Currently, a person who contacts law enforcement or emergency personnel by reporting a drug overdose or transporting someone to get help could face prosecution for possession, use or other offenses related to the presence of the controlled substance at the scene. If prosecuted, their emergency telephone call or actions would be admissible against them. The goal of the bill is to reduce drug overdose deaths, which have increased substantially over the last two decades.
The bill is now before the full House.
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