New Bill Intends To Give Drug Overdose 'Good Samaritan' Immunity
By Tony Romeo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Governor Corbett is expected to sign a bill on the way to his desk intended to prevent deaths from drug overdoses by giving a break to family members or companions who assist victims.
The bill given final legislative approval by the Senate was sponsored by Chester Republican Dominic Pileggi, the Senate majority leader, who says over the past five years, nearly 3,000 heroin-related overdose deaths have been identified in Pennsylvania:
"This bill will save lives by giving 'Good Samaritan' immunity from prosecution for certain drug crimes to individuals who seek help when a friend or companion suffers a drug overdose."
The bill contains provisions that will also make a federally approved anti-overdose drug more widely available.
First responders will be trained to use the drug and the bill would also provide immunity to family or friends who administer the anti-overdose drug to a victim.
