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911 Good Samaritan Laws by State

 

Overdose Prevention

Summary of State Good Samaritan Laws

 

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Chooper's Guide is committed to the philosopy, principles and practices of Harm Reduction and believes the implementation of the  911 Good Samaritan is a critical component of opioid overdose prevention. If your state isn't listed to the right, please contact your state legislators and speak with them about sponsoring a 911 Good Samaritan Law.
 

911 Good Samaritan State Laws       

Select State to View Law

Italic Link = Leglislation Pending

 

Information Source:

The Network for Public Health Law

 

Alaska

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Illinois

Indiana

Louisiana

Maryland



Massachusetts

Minnesota

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

Rhode Island

Utah

Vermont

Washington

Wisconsin



911 Good Samaritan Laws by State

 

Alaska

 

Alaska

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

Citation: Stat. §12.55.155 (2008)
Effective: Sept. 8, 2008

“The following factors shall be considered by the sentencing court if proven in accordance with this section,
and may allow imposition of a sentence below the presumptive range set out in [relevant statute]…
[T]he defendant is convicted of an offense under [the state controlled substances law], and the defendant
sought medical assistance for another person who was experiencing a drug overdose contemporaneously with
the commission of the offense.”
MD Md. Code Ann.,
Crim. Proc. § 1-
210 (LexisNexis 2009)
Oct. 1, 2009 “The act of seeking medical assistance for another person who is experiencing a medical emergency after
ingesting alcohol or drugs may be used as a mitigating factor in a criminal prosecution.”

California  

California

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

Citation: Code: 11376.5  (2012)
Effective: Jan 1, 2013

“(a) Notwithstanding any other law, it shall not be a crime for a person to be under the influence of, or to possess
for personal use, a controlled substance, controlled substance analog, or drug paraphernalia, if that person, in
good faith, seeks medical assistance for another person experiencing a drug-related overdose that is related to
the possession of a controlled substance, controlled substance analog, or drug paraphernalia of the person
seeking medical assistance, and that person does not obstruct medical or law enforcement personnel. No other
immunities or protections from arrest or prosecution for violations of the law are intended or may be inferred.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law, it shall not be a crime for a person who experiences a drug-related overdose
and who is in need of medical assistance to be under the influence of, or to possess for personal use, a
controlled substance, controlled substance analog, or drug paraphernalia, if the person or one or more other
persons at the scene of the overdose, in good faith, seek medical assistance for the person experiencing the
overdose. No other immunities or protections from arrest or prosecution for violations of the law are intended or
may be inferred.
(c) This section shall not affect laws prohibiting the selling, providing, giving, or exchanging of drugs, or laws
prohibiting the forcible administration of drugs against a person’s will.
(d) Nothing in this section shall affect liability for any offense that involves activities made dangerous by the
consumption of a controlled substance or controlled substance analog, including, but not limited to, violations of
Section 23103 of the Vehicle Code as specified in Section 23103.5 of the Vehicle Code, or violations of Section
23152 or 23153 of the Vehicle Code.
(e) For the purposes of this section, “drug-related overdose”means an acute medical condition that is the result
of the ingestion or use by an individual of one or more controlled substances or one or more controlled
substances in combination with alcohol, in quantities that are excessive for that individual that may result in
death, disability, or serious injury. An individual’s condition shall be deemed to be a “drug-related overdose”if a
reasonable person of ordinary knowledge would believe the condition to be a drug-related overdose that may
result in death, disability, or serious injury.”
 Colorado  

Colorado

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1-711 (2012)
Effective: May 29, 2012

“(1) A person shall be immune from criminal prosecution for an offense described in subsection (3) of this section
if:
(a) The person reports in good faith an emergency drug or alcohol overdose event to a law enforcement officer,
to the 911 system, or to a medical provider;
(b) The person remains at the scene of the event until a law enforcement officer or an emergency medical
responder arrives, or the person remains at the facilities of the medical provider until a law enforcement officer arrives;
(c) The person identifies himself or herself to, and cooperates with, the law enforcement officer, emergency
medical responder, or medical provider; and
(d) The offense arises from the same course of events from which the emergency drug or alcohol overdose event arose.
(2) The immunity described in subsection (1) of this section also extends to the person who suffered the
emergency drug or alcohol overdose event if all of the conditions of subsection (1) are satisfied.
(3) The immunity described in subsection (1) of this section shall apply to the following criminal offenses:
[unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of
marijuana, open and public display, consumption or use of less than two ounces of marijuana, transferring or
dispensing two ounces or less of marijuana from one person to another for no consideration, use or possession
of synthetic cannabinoids or salvia divinorum, possession of drug paraphernalia, and illegal possession or
consumption of ethyl alcohol by an underage person.]
(4) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to prohibit the prosecution of a person for an offense other than an
offense listed in subsection (3) of this section or to limit the ability of a district attorney or a law enforcement
officer to obtain or use evidence obtained from a report, recording, or any other statement provided pursuant to
subsection (1) of this section to investigate and prosecute an offense other than an offense listed in subsection
(3) of this section.
…”

 Connecticut  

Connecticut

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

Citation: CT Gen.Stat. § 21a279(g) (2011)
Effective Oct. 1, 2011

 

 

“(g) [Provisions relating to possession of a controlled substance] shall not apply to any person (1) who in good
faith, seeks medical assistance for another person who such person reasonably believes is experiencing an
overdose from the ingestion, inhalation or injection of intoxicating liquor or any drug or substance, (2) for whom
another person, in good faith, seeks medical assistance, reasonably believing such person is experiencing an
overdose from the ingestion, inhalation or injection of intoxicating liquor or any drug or substance, or (3) who
reasonably believes he or she is experiencing an overdose from the ingestion, inhalation or injection of
intoxicating liquor or any drug or substance and, in good faith, seeks medical assistance for himself or herself, if
evidence of the possession or control of a controlled substance in violation of [possession law] was obtained as a result of the seeking of such medical assistance. For the purposes of this subsection, “good faith”does not
include seeking medical assistance during the course of the execution of an arrest warrant or search warrant or a lawful search.”

Citation: CT  Gen. Stat. § 21a267(d) (2011)
Effective: Oct. 1, 2011
 

 “(d) The provisions of [the paraphernalia law] shall not apply to any person (1) who in good faith, seeks medical
assistance for another person who such person reasonably believes is experiencing an overdose from the
ingestion, inhalation or injection of intoxicating liquor or any drug or substance, (2) for whom another person, in
good faith, seeks medical assistance, reasonably believing such person is experiencing an overdose from the
ingestion, inhalation or injection of intoxicating liquor or any drug or substance, or (3) who reasonably believes he
or she is experiencing an overdose from the ingestion, inhalation or injection of intoxicating liquor or any drug or
substance and, in good faith, seeks medical assistance for himself or herself, if evidence of the use or
possession of drug paraphernalia in violation of said subsection was obtained as a result of the seeking of such
medical assistance. For the purposes of this subsection, “good faith”does not include seeking medical
assistance during the course of the execution of an arrest warrant or search warrant or a lawful search.”

Delaware

 

Delaware

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

Citation:  Code Ann. tit. 16, § 4769 (2014)

Effective: Aug. 31,2013

§ 4769. Criminal immunity for persons who suffer or report an alcohol or drug overdose or other life
threatening medical emergency.
(a) For purposes of this chapter:
(1) “Medical provider”means the person whose professional services are provided to a
person experiencing an overdose or other life threatening medical emergency by a
licensed, registered or certified health care professional who, acting within his or her
lawful scope of practice, may provide diagnosis, treatment or emergency services.
(2) “Overdose”means an acute condition including, but not limited to, physical illness,
coma, mania, hysteria, or death resulting from the consumption or use of an ethyl
alcohol, a controlled substance, another substance with which a controlled substance
was combined, a noncontrolled prescription drug, or any combination of these, including
any illicit or licit substance; provided that a person’s condition shall be deemed to be an
overdose if a layperson could reasonably believe that the condition is in fact an
overdose and requires medical assistance.
(b) A person who seeks medical attention for someone, including the person reporting, who is
experiencing an overdose or other life threatening medical emergency shall not be arrested,
charged or prosecuted for an offense described in subsection (c) of this section, or subject to
the revocation or modification of the conditions of probation, if:
(1) The person reports in good faith the emergency to law enforcement, the 911 system, a poison control center, or to a medical provider, or if the person in good faith assists someone
so reporting; and
(2) The person provides all relevant medical information as to the cause of the overdose or other
life threatening medical emergency that the person possesses at the scene of the event
when a medical provider arrives, or when the person is at the facilities of the medical
provider.
(c) The immunity described in this section shall apply to the following offenses:
(1) Miscellaneous drug crimes as described in § 4757 (a)(3), (6), and (7) of this Chapter;
(2) Illegal possession and delivery of noncontrolled prescription drugs as described in
§ 4761 of this Chapter;
(3) Possession of controlled substances or counterfeit controlled substances, as
described in § 4763 of this Chapter;
(4) Possession of drug paraphernalia as described in §§ 4762 (c) and 4771 of this C
hapter;
(5 ) Possession of marijuana as described in § 4764 of this Chapter; and
(6) Offenses concerning underage drinking as described in Title 4, § 904 (b), (c), (e),
and (f).
(d) It shall be an affirmative defense to a drug dealing charge as defined in §§ 4752 and 4753
of this Chapter with respect to good faith seeking of health care for an emergency which arose proximate to
the offense.
(e) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to prohibit the prosecution of a person for an
offense other than an offense listed in subsection (c) of this section or to limit the ability of the attorney
general or a law enforcement officer to obtain or use evidence obtained from a report, recording, or any
other statement provided pursuant to subsection (b) of this section to investigate and prosecute an offense
other than an offense listed in subsection (c) of this section.
(f) Forfeiture of any alcohol, substance, or paraphernalia referenced in this section shall be
allowed pursuant to § 4784 of this Title and Chapter 11 of Title 4.

 

 District of Columbia  

District of Columbia

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

Citation: D.C. Code § 7-403 (2013)

Effective Date: March 19, 2013



“(a) Notwithstanding any other law, the offenses listed in subsection (b) of this section shall not be considered
crimes and shall not serve as the sole basis for revoking or modifying a person’s supervision status:
(1) For a person who:
(A) Reasonably believes that he or she is experiencing a drug or alcohol-related overdose and
in good faith seeks health care for himself or herself;
(B) Reasonably believes that another person is experiencing a drug or alcohol-related
overdose and in good faith seeks healthcare for that person; or
(C) Is reasonably believed to be experiencing a drug or alcohol-related overdose and for whom
health care is sought; and
(2) The offense listed in subsection (b) of this section arises from the same circumstances as the
seeking of health care under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(b) The following offenses apply to subsection (a) of this section:

(c) The seeking of health care under subsection (a) of this section, whether or not presented by the parties, may
be considered by the court as a mitigating factor in any criminal prosecution or sentencing for a drug or alcoholrelated
offense that is not an offense listed in subsection (b) of this section.
(d) This section does not prohibit a person from being arrested, charged, or prosecuted, or from having his or her
supervision status modified or revoked, based on an offense other than an offense listed in subsection (b) of this
section, whether or not the offense arises from the same circumstances as the seeking of health care.
(e) A law enforcement officer who arrests an individual for an offense listed in subsection (b) of this section shall
not be subject to criminal prosecution, or civil liability for false arrest or false imprisonment, if the officer made the
arrest based on probable cause.
(f) Notwithstanding any other law, it shall not be considered a crime for a person to possess or administer an
opioid antagonist, nor shall such person be subject to civil liability in the absence of gross negligence, if he or she
administers the opioid antagonist:
(1) In good faith to treat a person who he or she reasonably believes is experiencing an overdose;
(2) Outside of a hospital or medical office; and
(3) Without the expectation of receiving or intending to seek compensation for such service and acts.

(i) For the purposes of this section, the term:
(1) “Good faith”under subsection (a) of this section does not include the seeking of health care as a
result of using drugs or alcohol in connection with the execution of an arrest warrant or search warrant
or a lawful arrest or search.
(2) “Opioid antagonist”means a drug, such as Naloxone, that binds to the opioid receptors with higher affinity than agonists but does not activate the receptors, effectively blocking the receptor, preventing
the human body from making use of opiates and endorphins.
(3) “Overdose”means an acute condition of physical illness, coma, mania, hysteria, seizure, cardiac
arrest, cessation of breathing, or death, which is or reasonably appears to be the result of consumption
or use of drugs or alcohol and relates to an adverse reaction to or the quantity ingested of the drugs or
alcohol, or to a substance with which the drugs or alcohol was combined.
(4) “Supervision status”means probation or release pending trial, sentencing, appeal, or completion of
sentence, for a violation of District law.”

Florida

 

Florida

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

FL Stat. Ann. § 893.21 (2012)
Oct. 1, 2012



“(1) A person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for an individual experiencing a drug-related
overdose may not be charged, prosecuted, or penalized pursuant to this chapter for possession of a controlled
substance if the evidence for possession of a controlled substance was obtained as a result of the person’s
seeking medical assistance.
(2) A person who experiences a drug-related overdose and is in need of medical assistance may not be
charged, prosecuted, or penalized pursuant to this chapter for possession of a controlled substance if the
evidence for possession of a controlled substance was obtained as a result of the overdose and the need for
medical assistance.
(3) Protection in this section from prosecution for possession offenses under this chapter may not be grounds
for suppression of evidence in other criminal prosecutions.”

Georgia

 

Georgia

Type: 911 Good Samaritan Law

Citation: H.B. 965 Code § 16-13-5. (2014)
Effective: Apr. 24, 2014

 

((a) As used in this Code section, the term:
(1) 'Drug overdose' means an acute condition, including, but not limited to, extreme physical illness, decreased
level of consciousness, respiratory depression, coma, mania, or death, resulting from the consumption or use of
a controlled substance or dangerous drug by the distressed individual in violation of this chapter or that a
reasonable person would believe to be resulting from the consumption or use of a controlled substance
or dangerous drug by the distressed individual.
(2) 'Drug violation' means:
(A) A violation of subsection (a) of Code Section 16-13-30 for possession of a controlled substance if the
aggregate weight, including any mixture, is less than four grams of a solid substance, less than one milliliter of
liquid substance, or if the substance is placed onto a secondary medium with a combined weight of less than
four grams;
(B) A violation of paragraph (1) of subsection (j) of Code Section 16-13-30 for possession of less than one ounce
of marijuana; or
(C) A violation of Code Section 16-13-32.2, relating to possession and use of drug related objects.
(3) 'Medical assistance' means aid provided to a person by a health care professional licensed, registered, or
certified under the laws of this state who, acting within his or her lawful scope of practice, may provide diagnosis,
treatment, or emergency medical services.
(4) 'Seeks medical assistance' means accesses or assists in accessing the 9-1-1 system or otherwise contacts or
assists in contacting law enforcement or a poison control center and provides care to a person while awaiting the
arrival of medical assistance to aid such person.
(b) Any person who in good faith seeks medical assistance for a person experiencing or believed to be
experiencing a drug overdose shall not be arrested, charged, or prosecuted for a drug violation if the evidence for
the arrest, charge, or prosecution of such drug violation resulted solely from seeking such medical assistance.
Any person who is experiencing a drug overdose and, in good faith, seeks medical assistance for himself
or herself or is the subject of such a request shall not be arrested, charged, or prosecuted for a drug violation if
the evidence for the arrest, charge, or prosecution of such drug violation resulted solely from seeking such
medical assistance. Any such person shall also not be subject to, if related to the seeking of such medical
assistance:
(1) Penalties for a violation of a permanent or temporary protective order or restraining order; or
(2) Sanctions for a violation of a condition of pretrial release, condition of probation, or condition of parole based
on a drug violation.14 LC 37 1763S
(c) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to limit the admissibility of any evidence in connection with the
investigation or prosecution of a crime with regard to a defendant who does not qualify for the protections of
subsection (b) of this Code section or with regard to other crimes committed by a person who otherwise qualifies
for protection pursuant to subsection (b) of this Code section. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to
limit any seizure of evidence or contraband otherwise permitted by law. Nothing in this Code section shall be
construed to limit or abridge the authority of a law enforcement officer to detain or take into custody a person in
the course of an investigation or to effectuate an arrest for any offense except as provided in subsection (b) of
Illinois  

Illinois

Type: 911 Good Samaritan Law

Citation: 20 Ill. Comp.Stat. Ann. 301/5-23 (2010)
Effective Date: Jan. 1, 2010

“A person who is not otherwise licensed to administer an opioid antidote may in an emergency administer without
fee an opioid antidote if the person has received certain patient information specified [in statute] and believes in
good faith that another person is experiencing a drug overdose. The person shall not, as a result of his or her
acts or omissions, be liable for any violation of [professional practice acts] or any other professional licensing
statute, or subject to any criminal prosecution arising from or related to the unauthorized practice of medicine or
the possession of an opioid antidote.”                                                        

Citation: 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 570/414 (2012)
Effective Date: Feb. 6, 2012

(a) [defines overdose]
“(b) A person who, in good faith, seeks or obtains emergency medical assistance for someone experiencing an
overdose shall not be charged or prosecuted for Class 4 felony possession of a controlled, counterfeit, or lookalike
substance or a controlled substance analog if evidence for the Class 4 felony possession charge was
acquired as a result of the person seeking or obtaining emergency medical assistance and providing the
amount of substance recovered is within the amount identified in subsection (d) of this Section.
(c) A person who is experiencing an overdose shall not be charged or prosecuted for [same as (b)]
(d) For the purposes of subsections (b) and (c), the limited immunity shall only apply to a person possessing
the following amount: [limits on amounts]
(e) The limited immunity described in subsections (b) and (c) of this Section shall not be extended if law
enforcement has reasonable suspicion or probable cause to detain, arrest, or search the person described in
subsection (b) or (c)…for criminal activity and the reasonable suspicion or probable cause is based on
information obtained prior to or independent of the individual...taking action to seek or obtain emergency
medical assistance and not obtained as a direct result of the action of seeking or obtaining emergency medical
assistance. Nothing in this Section is intended to interfere with or prevent the investigation, arrest, or
prosecution of any person for the delivery or distribution of cannabis, methamphetamine or other controlled
substances, drug-induced homicide, or any other crime.”
Citation: IL 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 646/115 (2012)
Effective Date: Feb. 6, 2012
(a) [defines overdose]
“(b) A person who, in good faith, seeks emergency medical assistance for someone experiencing an overdose
shall not be charged or prosecuted for Class 3 felony possession of methamphetamine if evidence for the Class 3
felony possession charge was acquired as a result of the person seeking or obtaining emergency medical
assistance and providing the amount of substance recovered is less than one gram of methamphetamine or a
substance containing methamphetamine.
(c )A person who is experiencing an overdose shall not be charged or prosecuted for Class 3 felony possession
of methamphetamine if evidence for the Class 3 felony possession charge was acquired as a result of the person
seeking or obtaining emergency medical assistance and providing the amount of substance recovered is less
than one gram of methamphetamine or a substance containing methamphetamine.
(d) [same exclusion as 570/414(e)]”
Citation: 730 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 5/5-5-3.1
(2012)

Effective Date: Feb. 6, 2012
(c) The following grounds shall be accorded weight in favor of withholding or minimizing a sentence of
imprisonment:
……
(14) The defendant sought or obtained emergency medical assistance for an overdose and was convicted of a
Class 3 felony or higher possession, manufacture, or delivery of a controlled, counterfeit, or look-alike substance
or a controlled substance analog under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act or a Class 2 felony or higher
possession, manufacture or delivery of methamphetamine under the Methamphetamine Control and Community
Protection Act.
Indiana  

Indiana

Type: 911 Good Samaritan Law

Citation: IN S.B. 227 (2014)
Effective Date: Mar. 26, 2014

Ind. Code § 35-38-1-7.1 Considerations in imposing sentence
(b) The court may consider the following factors as mitigating circumstances or as favoring suspending the
sentence and imposing probation:
..
(12) The person was convicted of a crime relating to a controlled substance and the person’s arrest or
prosecution was facilitated in part because the person:
(A) requested emergency medical assistance; or
(B) acted in concert with another person who requested emergency medical assistance;
for an individual who reasonably appeared to be in need of medical assistance due to the use of alcohol or a
controlled substance. 
Louisiana  

Louisiana

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

Citation:  LSA- R.S.14:403.10
Effective Date: Aug 1, 2014



A. A person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for an individual experiencing a drug-related
overdose may not be charged, prosecuted, or penalized for possession of a controlled dangerous
substance under the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law if the evidence for possession of a
controlled dangerous substance was obtained as a result of the person's seeking medical assistance,
unless the person illegally provided or administered a controlled dangerous substance to the individual.
B. A person who experiences a drug-related overdose and is in need of medical assistance shall not be
charged, prosecuted, or penalized for possession of a controlled dangerous substance under the
Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law if the evidence for possession of a controlled substance
was obtained as a result of the overdose and the need for medical assistance.

Maine

 

Maine

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

Legislation Pending
 Maryland L

Maryland

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

Citation: MD H.B. 416 (2014)
Effective Date: Oct. 1, 2014

(A) The act of seeking, providing, or assisting with the provision of medical assistance for another person
who is experiencing a medical emergency after ingesting OR USING alcohol or drugs may be used as a
mitigating factor in a criminal prosecution.
(B) A person who, in good faith, seeks, provides, or assists with the provision of medical assistance for a
person experiencing a medical emergency after ingesting or using alcohol or drugs shall be immune
from criminal prosecution for a violation of [provisions related to possession of drugs, paraphernalia, and
alcohol] if the evidence for the criminal prosecution was obtained solely as a result of the person’s
seeking, providing, or assisting with the provision of medical assistance. 

 Massachusetts  
Massachusetts

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

Citation: MA Gen. Laws ch. 94c, §34A (2012)   Effective Date: Aug. 2, 2012

 



“(a) A person who, in good faith, seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug-related overdose
shall not be charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance under sections 34 or 35 if the
evidence for the charge of possession of a controlled substance was gained as a result of the seeking of
medical assistance.
(b) A person who experiences a drug-related overdose and is in need of medical assistance and, in good faith,
seeks such medical assistance, or is the subject of such a good faith request for medical assistance, shall not
be charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance under said sections 34 or 35 if the
evidence for the charge of possession of a controlled substance was gained as a result of the overdose and
the need for medical assistance.
(c) The act of seeking medical assistance for someone who is experiencing a drug-related overdose may be
used as a mitigating factor in a criminal prosecution under the Controlled Substance Act,1970 P.L. 91-513, 21
U.S.C. section 801, et seq.
(d) Nothing contained in this section shall prevent anyone from being charged with trafficking, distribution or
possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. “
Also contains civil liability protections; please see Table 1. 

 Minnesota  
Minnesota

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

Citation: MN  Stat. § 604A.05 (2014)
Effective Date: July 1, 2014

[604A.05] GOOD SAMARITAN OVERDOSE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.
(1) Person seeking medical assistance; immunity from prosecution. A person acting in good faith who seeks
medical assistance for another person who is experiencing a drug-related overdose may not be charged
or prosecuted for the possession, sharing, or use of a controlled substance under sections 152.023,
subdivision 2, clauses (4) and (6), 152.024, or 152.025, or possession of drug paraphernalia. A person
qualifies for the immunities provided in this subdivision only if:
(1) the evidence for the charge or prosecution was obtained as a result of the person’s seeking medical
assistance for another person; and
(2) the person seeks medical assistance for another person who is in need of medical assistance for an
immediate health or safety concern, provided that the person who seeks the medical assistance is the
first person to seek the assistance, provides a name and contact information, remains on the scene until
assistance arrives or is provided, and cooperates with the authorities.
Good faith does not include seeking medical assistance during the course of the execution of an arrest
warrant or search warrant or a lawful search.
(2) Person experiencing an overdose; immunity from prosecution. A person who experiences a drug-related
overdose and is in need of medical assistance may not be charged or prosecuted for possession of a
controlled substance under sections 152.023, subdivision 2, clauses (4) and (6), 152.024, or 152.025, or
possession of drug paraphernalia. A person qualifies for the immunities provided in this subdivision only
if the evidence for the charge or prosecution was obtained as a result of the drug-related overdose and
the need for medical assistance.
(3) Persons on probation or release. A person's pretrial release, probation, furlough, supervised release, or
parole shall not be revoked based on an incident for which the person would be immune from
prosecution under subdivision 1 or 2.
(4) Effect on other criminal prosecutions.
(a) The act of providing first aid or other medical assistance to someone who is experiencing a drug
related overdose may be used as a mitigating factor in a criminal prosecution for which immunity is not
provided.
(b) Nothing in this section shall:
(1) be construed to bar the admissibility of any evidence obtained in connection with the investigation
and prosecution of other crimes or violations committed by a person who otherwise qualifies for limited
immunity under this section;
(2) preclude prosecution of a person on the basis of evidence obtained from an independent source;
(3) be construed to limit, modify, or remove any immunity from liability currently available to public
entities, public employees by law, or prosecutors; or
(4) prevent probation officers from conducting drug testing of persons on pretrial release, probation,
furlough, supervised release, or parole.
(5) Drug-related overdose defined. As used in this section, "drug-related overdose" means an acute
condition, including mania, hysteria, extreme physical illness, or coma, resulting from the consumption
or use of a controlled substance, or another substance with which a controlled substance was
combined, and that a layperson would reasonably believe to be a drug overdose that requires
immediate medical assistance. 

 New Jersey  

New Jersey

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

 

Citation:  Stat. Ann. § 24:6J (2014)
Effective Date: May 2, 2013 (7)


a. A person who, in good faith, seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug overdose shall not
be:
(1) arrested, charged, prosecuted, or convicted for obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence
of, or failing to make lawful disposition of, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog
pursuant to subsection a., b., or c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10;
(2) arrested, charged, prosecuted, or convicted for inhaling the fumes of or possessing any toxic chemical
pursuant to subsection b. of section 7 of P.L.1999, c.90 (C.2C:35-10.4);
(3) arrested, charged, prosecuted, or convicted for using, obtaining, attempting to obtain, or possessing any
prescription legend drug or stramonium preparation pursuant to subsection b., d., or e. of section 8 of P.L.1999,
c.90 (C.2C:35-10.5);
(4) arrested, charged, prosecuted, or convicted for acquiring or obtaining possession of a controlled
dangerous substance or controlled substance analog by fraud pursuant to N.J.S.2C:35-13;
(5) arrested, charged, prosecuted, or convicted for unlawfully possessing a controlled dangerous substance
that was lawfully prescribed or dispensed pursuant to N.J.S.2C:35-24;
(6) arrested, charged, prosecuted, or convicted for using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia
pursuant to N.J.S.2C:36-2 or for having under his control or possessing a hypodermic syringe, hypodermic
needle, or any other instrument adapted for the use of a controlled dangerous substance or a controlled
substance analog pursuant to subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:36-6;
(7) subject to revocation of parole or probation based only upon a violation of offenses described in
subsection a. (1) through (6) of this section, provided, however, this circumstance may be considered in
establishing or modifying the conditions of parole or probation supervision.
b. The provisions of subsection a. of this section shall only apply if:
(1) the person seeks medical assistance for another person who is experiencing a drug overdose and is in
need of medical assistance; and
(2) the evidence for an arrest, charge, prosecution, conviction, or revocation was obtained as a result of the
seeking of medical assistance.
c. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the admissibility of any evidence in connection with the
investigation or prosecution of a crime with regard to a defendant who does not qualify for the protections of thisact or with regard to other crimes committed by a person who otherwise qualifies for protection pursuant to thisact. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit any seizure of evidence or contraband otherwise  permitted by law. Nothing herein shall be construed to limit or abridge the authority of a law enforcement officer to detain ortake into custody a person in the course of an investigation or to effectuate an arrest for any offense except asprovided in subsection a. of this section. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit, modify or remove any immunity from liability currently available to public entities or public employees by law.
[Section 8 provides Identical protections for the victim] 

 New Mexico  

New Mexico

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

Citation:  Stat. Ann. § 30-31-27.1 (2007)            Effective Date: June 15, 2007




“A. A person who, in good faith, seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug-related overdose
shall not be charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance pursuant to the provisions of [the
state Controlled Substances Act] if the evidence for the charge of possession of a controlled substance was
gained as a result of the seeking of medical assistance.
B. A person who experiences a drug-related overdose and is in need of medical assistance shall not be charged
or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance pursuant to the provisions of [the state Controlled
Substances Act] if the evidence for the charge of possession of a controlled substance was gained as a result of the overdose and the need for medical assistance.
C. The act of seeking medical assistance for someone who is experiencing a drug-related overdose may be used
as a mitigating factor in a criminal prosecution pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act.”

 

 New York
 

New York

Type: 911 Good SamaritanC

Citation: NY Penal Law                                     Effective Date: Sept. 18, 2011


 


 

“1. A person who, in good faith, seeks health care for someone who is experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose or
other life threatening medical emergency shall not be charged or prosecuted for a controlled substance offense
§ 220.78 (Consol. 2011) other than an offense involving sale for consideration or other benefit or gain, or charged or prosecuted for possession of alcohol by a person under age twenty-one years. Or a marihuana offense…other than an offense involving sale...or for possession of drug paraphernalia... [with respect to physical evidence] that was obtained as a result of such seeking or receiving of health care.
2. A person who is experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose or other life threatening medical emergency and, in
good faith, seeks health care for himself or herself or is the subject of such a good faith request for health care,
shall not be charged or prosecuted for a controlled substance offense under this article or a marihuana
offense.. other than an offense involving sale for consideration or other benefit or gain, or charged or prosecuted
for possession of alcohol by a person under age twenty-one years.. or for possession of drug paraphernalia..
with respect to any substance, marihuana, alcohol or paraphernalia that was obtained as a result of such
seeking or receiving of health care.

4. It shall be an affirmative defense to a criminal sale controlled substance offense... or a criminal sale of
marihuana...with respect to any controlled substance or marihuana which was obtained as a result of such
seeking or receiving of health care, that: (a) the defendant, in good faith, seeks health care for someone or for
him or herself who is experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose or other life threatening medical emergency; and
(b) the defendant has no prior conviction for the commission or attempted commission of a class A–I, A–II or B
felony under this article.

6. The bar to prosecution described in subdivisions one and two of this section shall not apply to the prosecution
of a class A–I felony under this article, and the affirmative defense described in subdivision four of this section
shall not apply to the prosecution of a class A–I or A–II felony under this article.

 

Citation: Crim. Pro. § 390.40 (Consol. 2011) Effective Date: Sep. 18, 2011 



“3. The act of seeking health care for someone who is experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose or other life
threatening medical emergency shall be considered by the court when presented as a mitigating factor in any
criminal prosecution for a controlled substance, marihuana, drug paraphernalia, or alcohol related offense.”                                                                       

Citation: N.Y. Penal Law § 220.03 (2011)
Effective Date: Sept. 18, 2011

 

“A person is guilty of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree when he or she
knowingly and unlawfully possesses a controlled substance;

[but it is not] a violation of this section when a person’s unlawful possession of a controlled substance is
discovered as a result of seeking immediate health care as defined in.220.78 of the penal law because such
person is experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose or other life threatening medical emergency..”
 North Carolina  

North Carolina

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

Citation:  Gen. Stat.§§ 18B-302.2,90-96.2 (2013)
April 9, 2013



 



(a) As used in this section, "drug-related overdose" means an acute condition, including mania, hysteria,
extreme physical illness, coma, or death resulting from the consumption or use of a controlled substance, or
another substance with which a controlled substance was combined, and that a layperson would reasonably
believe to be a drug overdose that requires medical assistance.
(b) A person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for an individual experiencing a drug-related
overdose shall not be prosecuted for (i) a misdemeanor violation of G.S. 90-95(a)(3), (ii) a felony violation of
G.S. 90-95(a)(3) for possession of less than one gram of cocaine, (iii) a felony violation of G.S. 90-95(a)(3) for
possession of less than one gram of heroin, or (iv) a violation of G.S. 90-113.22 if the evidence for prosecution
under those sections was obtained as a result of the person seeking medical assistance for the drug-related
overdose.
(c) A person who experiences a drug-related overdose and is in need of medical assistance shall not be
prosecuted for (i) a misdemeanor violation of G.S. 90-95(a)(3), (ii) a felony violation of G.S. 90-95(a)(3) for
possession of less than one gram of cocaine, (iii) a felony violation of G.S. 90-95(a)(3) for possession of less than
one gram of heroin, or (iv) a violation of G.S. 90-113.22 if the evidence for prosecution under those sections was
obtained as a result of the drug-related overdose and need for medical assistance.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to bar the admissibility of any evidence obtained in connection with
the investigation and prosecution of other crimes committed by a person who otherwise qualifies for limited
immunity under this section." 
 Rhode Island  

Rhode Island

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

itation:  R.I. Gen. Laws §21-28.8-4 (2012)
Effective Date: June 18, 2012
(sunsets July 1, 2015)



“(a) Any person who, in good faith, without malice and in the absence of evidence of an intent to defraud,
seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug overdose or other drug-related medical
emergency shall not be charged or prosecuted for any crime under RIGL 21-28 or 21-28.5, except
for a crime involving the manufacture or possession with the intent to manufacture a controlled
substance or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, if the evidence for the
charge was gained as a result of the seeking of medical assistance.
(b) A person who experiences a drug overdose or other drug-related medical emergency
and is in need of medical assistance shall not be charged or prosecuted for any crime under RIGL
21-28 or 21-28.5, except for a crime involving the manufacture or possession with the intent to
manufacture a controlled substance or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, if
the evidence for the charge was gained as a result of the overdose and the need for medical
assistance.
(c) The act of providing first aid or other medical assistance to someone who is
experiencing a drug overdose or other drug-related medical emergency may be used as a
mitigating factor in a criminal prosecution pursuant to the controlled substances act.” 
 Utah  

UTAH

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

Citation: UT H.B. 11 (2014)
Effective Date: Mar. 20, 2014



58-37-8. Prohibited acts -- Penalties.
(15)(a) It is an affirmative defense to an allegation of the commission of an offense listed in Subsection (15)(b)
that the person:
(i) reasonably believes that the person or another person is experiencing an overdose event due to the ingestion,
injection, inhalation, or other introduction into the human body of a controlled substance or other substance;
(ii) reports in good faith the overdose event to a medical provider, an emergency medical service provider as
defined in Section 26-8a-102 , a law enforcement officer, a 911 emergency call system, or an emergency
dispatch system, or the person is the subject of a report made under this Subsection (15);
(iii) provides in the report under Subsection (15)(a)(ii) a functional description of the actual location of the
overdose event that facilitates responding to the person experiencing the overdose event;
(iv) remains at the location of the person experiencing the overdose event until a responding law enforcement
officer or emergency medical service provider arrives, or remains at the medical care facility where the person
experiencing an overdose event is located until a responding law enforcement officer arrives;
(v) cooperates with the responding medical provider, emergency medical service provider, and law enforcement
officer, including providing information regarding the person experiencing the overdose event and any
substances the person may have injected, inhaled, or otherwise introduced into the person's body; and
(vi) is alleged to have committed the offense in the same course of events from which the reported overdose
arose.
(b) The offenses referred to in Subsection (15)(a) are:
(i) the possession or use of less than 16 ounces of marijuana;
(ii) the possession or use of a scheduled or listed controlled substance other than marijuana; and
(iii) any violation of Chapter 37a, Utah Drug Paraphernalia Act, or Chapter 37b, Imitation Controlled Substances
Act.
(c) As used in this Subsection (15) and in Section 76-3-203.11 , "good faith" does not include seeking medical
assistance under this section during the course of a law enforcement agency's execution of a search warrant,
execution of an arrest warrant, or other lawful search.
76-3-203.11. Reporting an overdose -- Mitigating factor.
It is a mitigating factor in sentencing for an offense under Title 58, Chapter 37, Utah Controlled Substances Act,
that the person:
(1) reasonably believes that the person or another person is experiencing an overdose event due to the
ingestion, injection, inhalation, or other introduction into the human body of a controlled substance or other
substance;
(2) reports in good faith the overdose event to a medical provider, an emergency medical service provider as
defined in Section 26-8a-102 , a law enforcement officer, a 911 emergency call system, or an emergency
dispatch system, or the person is the subject of a report made under this section;
(3) provides in the report under Subsection (2) a functional description of the location of the actual overdose
event that facilitates responding to the person experiencing the overdose event;
(4) remains at the location of the person experiencing the overdose event until a responding law enforcement
officer or emergency medical service provider arrives, or remains at the medical care facility where the person experiencing an overdose event is located until a responding law enforcement officer arrives;
(5) cooperates with the responding medical provider, emergency medical service provider, and law enforcement
officer, including providing information regarding the person experiencing the overdose event and any
substances the person may have injected, inhaled, or otherwise introduced into the person's body; and
(6) committed the offense in the same course of events from which the reported overdose arose.                                             

 Vermont                                                

Vermont

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

Citation: Stat. Ann. tit.18, § 4254(2013)
Effective Date: June 5, 2013



 (a) As used in this section:
(1) “Drug overdose”means an acute condition resulting from or believed to be resulting from the use of a
regulated drug which a layperson would reasonably believe requires medical assistance. For purposes of this
section, “regulated drug”shall include alcohol.
(b) A person who, in good faith and in a timely manner, seeks medical assistance for someone who is
experiencing a drug overdose shall not be cited, arrested, or prosecuted for a violation of this chapter or cited,
arrested, or prosecuted for procuring, possessing, or consuming alcohol by someone under age 21 pursuant to 7
V.S.A §§ 656 and 657 or for providing to or enabling consumption of alcohol by someone under age 21 pursuant
to 7 V.S.A. § 658(a)–                                                                                                                       (c).[Section (c) provides identical protections for a person experiencing an overdose]
(d) A person who seeks medical assistance for a drug overdose pursuant to subsection (b) or (c) of this section
shall not be subject to any of the penalties for violation of 13 V.S.A. § 1030 (violation of a protection order), for a violation of this chapter or 7 V.S.A §§ 656 and 657, for being at the scene of the drug overdose, or for being
within close proximity to any person at the scene of the drug overdose.
(e) A person who seeks medical assistance for a drug overdose pursuant to subsection (b) or (c) of this section
shall not be subject to any sanction for a violation of a condition of pretrial release, probation, furlough, or parole for a violation of this chapter or 7 V.S.A §§ 656 and 657, for being at the scene of the drug overdose, or for beingwithin close proximity to any person at the scene of the drug overdose.
(f) The act of seeking medical assistance for or by someone who is experiencing a drug overdose shall be
considered a mitigating circumstance at sentencing for a violation of any other offense.

 Washington  

Washington

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

Citation: WA . Rev.Code §69.50.315(2010)
Effective Date: June 10, 2010

“(1)(a) A person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug-related
overdose shall not be charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance pursuant to [state law], if
the evidence for the charge of possession of a controlled substance was obtained as a result of the person
seeking medical assistance.

(2) A person who experiences a drug-related overdose and is in need of medical assistance shall not be charged
or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance pursuant to [state law], if the evidence for the charge of
possession of a controlled substance was obtained as a result of the overdose and the need for medical
assistance.
(3) The protection in this section from prosecution for possession crimes under [state law] shall not be grounds
for suppression of evidence in other criminal charges.”

Citation: WA Rev.Code §9.94A.535 (2010)
Effective Date: June 10, 2010

“The court may impose a sentence outside the standard sentence range for an offense if it finds, considering the
purpose of this chapter, that there are substantial and compelling reasons justifying an exceptional sentence.

The defendant was making a good faith effort to obtain or provide medical assistance for someone who is
experiencing a drug-related overdose.”

Wisconsin  

Wisconsin

Type: 911 Good Samaritan

itation: Stat. § 961.443 (2014)
Effective Date: April 9, 2014




 961.443. Immunity from criminal prosecution; possession
“Definitions. In this section, “aider”means a person who does any of the following:
(a) Brings another person to an emergency room, hospital, fire station, or other health care facility if the other
person is, or the person believes him or her to be, suffering from an overdose of, or other adverse reaction to,
any controlled substance or controlled substance analog.
(b) Summons a law enforcement officer, ambulance, emergency medical technician, or other health care
provider, to assist another person if the other person is, or the person believes him or her to be, suffering from an
overdose of, or other adverse reaction to, any controlled substance or controlled substance analog.
(c) Dials the telephone number “911”or, in an area in which the telephone number “911”is not available, the
number for an emergency medical service provider, to obtain assistance for another person if the other person is,
or the person believes him or her to be, suffering from an overdose of, or other adverse reaction to, any
controlled substance or controlled substance analog.
(2) Immunity from criminal prosecution. An aider is immune from prosecution under s. 961.573, for the
possession of drug paraphernalia, and under s. 961.41(3g) for the possession of a controlled substance or a
controlled substance analog, under the circumstances surrounding or leading to his or her commission of an act
described in sub. (1).”