Senate considers protections for people reporting overdoses

January 6, 2016 11:38 am

By News Staff

news@abc6.com

The Associated Press

The Rhode Island Senate plans to vote on a bill to protect people from prosecution on drug charges if they seek emergency medical help during an overdose.
Rhode Island’s law that provided immunity from prosecution for drug possession if people call for help, even if drugs are found at the scene, expired July 1.

State lawmakers had failed to agree on the terms of its reauthorization.

Public health advocates are calling on lawmakers to renew it.

The new bill would expand the protections. The expanded protections would provide immunity for violations of probation and parole for those who call for help and provide a liability exemption for those who administer medication to reverse the opioid effects.

It’s expected to be considered when the Senate convenes Wednesday.