Proposed NH law aims to prevent overdose deaths

By Associated Press
Published On: Mar 25 2013 10:52:00 AM EDT

New Hampshire lawmakers are considering passing a so-called "Good Samaritan" law to encourage the reporting of overdoses to emergency services in hopes of reducing the number of related deaths.
The Senate will hold a hearing Tuesday on a House-passed bill that would provide narrow immunity for limited drug and alcohol possession offenses for those who seek medical assistance on behalf of someone who has overdosed. Many overdoses take place in the presence of others. Supporters say fear of arrest or police involvement causes the majority of witnesses to drug-related overdoses to hesitate or do nothing.
The bill does not extend immunity to someone dealing drugs or providing alcohol to minors. Nine other states including Connecticut and Rhode Island have passed similar laws.


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