Arizona Lawmaker Introduces Good Samaritan Bill For Reporting Drug Overdoses

By Will Stone
Published: Monday, December 18, 2017 - 8:42am

An Arizona lawmaker wants to give immunity to those who call 911 to report a drug overdose.

Most states have what’s known as a 911 Good Samaritan Law, but Arizona doesn’t - at least not yet. As the opioid crisis claims more lives, state health officials have recommended that the legislature pass such a law.

Now Republican State Rep. Jay Lawrence has introduced a bill that would protect someone who calls the police because of an overdose from being prosecuted under state drug laws.

The idea is to get more people to call without fear and save lives.

Democrats have unsuccessfully introduced such legislation before and it’s gone nowhere.

Some conservative in Arizona’s law enforcement community, including Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk, had said such a law isn’t necessary and could make it easier for people to use drug.

Gov. Doug Ducey hasn’t taken an official position on the proposal, but has said it is something they would consider as a part of a broader legislative package.