Researcher: ND Page 1 4/6/21
OLR Bill Analysis
SB 1011
AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF OPIOID ANTAGONISTS AND
EPINEPHRINE CARTRIDGE INJECTORS BY POLICE OFFICERS.
SUMMARY
This bill requires law enforcement units to (1) require their police
officers to be trained in using opioid antagonists (e.g., Narcan) and
epinephrine cartridge injectors (e.g., Epi-Pens) and (2) acquire and
maintain a supply of these medications for use by their police officers
when responding to a medical emergency.
A police officer who completes the training must be permitted to
carry opioid antagonists and epinephrine cartridge injectors and
administer them to an individual the officer believes in good faith is
experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose or anaphylaxis,
respectively.
The bill also grants immunity from civil and criminal liability to the
state, municipalities, and their trained police officers who provide or
administer an epinephrine auto-injector to a person the officer believes
in good faith is experiencing anaphylaxis. Specifically, the bill grants
such immunity for any personal injuries resulting from ordinary
negligence during the provision or administration of the medication.
The immunity does not extend to acts or omissions that constitute
gross, willful, or wanton negligence and applies only if the police
officer meets the bill’s training requirements.
Existing law already grants civil and criminal immunity to any
person, acting with reasonable care, who administers an opioid
antagonist to a person he or she believes, in good faith, is experiencing
an opioid-related drug overdose (CGS § 17a-714a).
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage 2021SB-01011-R000295-BA.DOCX
Researcher: ND Page 2 4/6/21
COMMITTEE ACTION
Public Safety and Security Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea 25 Nay 0 (03/18/2021)