Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB419

Introduced

1/29/24

Refer

1/30/24

Report Pass

2/13/24

Engrossed

2/19/24

Refer

2/19/24

Report Pass

3/14/24

Refer

3/21/24

Report Pass

3/25/24

Enrolled

4/30/24

Passed

4/30/24

Caption

House Substitute for SB 419 by Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice - Providing immunity from prosecution for certain drug crimes when persons seek or provide medical assistance related to the use of a controlled substance.

Impact

The bill will significantly alter the legal landscape regarding how law enforcement interacts with individuals in medical emergencies involving drugs. Under SB 419, law enforcement officers cannot take into custody anyone seeking medical assistance for drug-related issues, provided they meet specific criteria, including cooperation with medical personnel and law enforcement. This change aims to reduce the stigma surrounding drug use and promote life-saving interventions in critical situations.

Summary

Senate Bill 419 is aimed at addressing public safety and health concerns related to drug use by providing immunity from prosecution for certain drug crimes. It specifically protects individuals who seek or provide medical assistance to others in emergencies related to the consumption of controlled substances. This legislative measure is designed to encourage people to help others by alleviating fears of legal repercussions they might face in situations requiring urgent medical intervention.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 419 appears to be largely positive, especially among public health advocates and those focused on harm reduction. Proponents argue that by encouraging individuals to seek help without fear of arrest, the bill could save lives. However, there are concerns regarding the bill’s potential misuse, particularly how it could relate to drug distribution cases. Opponents fear it could incentivize drug use and complicate enforcement against drug trafficking.

Contention

Notable points of contention include discussions on the bill's definition of controlled substances and the limitations on immunity for those involved in significant quantities of drugs, which may still expose individuals to prosecution. Stakeholders are also concerned about how this act fits within broader drug policy reform and its implications for community safety and law enforcement practices.

Latest SB419 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2487

Providing immunity from prosecution for certain drug crimes when persons seek or provide medical assistance related to the use of a controlled substance.

KS SB318

House Substitute for SB 318 by Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice - Creating an inference of an intent to distribute a controlled substance based on the quantity of the substance possessed instead of a rebuttable presumption.

KS SB420

House Substitute for SB 420 by Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice - Allowing juvenile offenders in the custody of the secretary of corrections to leave the juvenile correctional facility for certain programming and educational opportunities when approved by the secretary.

KS SB232

House Substitute for Substitute for SB 232 by Committee on Judiciary - Providing for child support orders for unborn children from the date of conception.

KS SB73

House Substitute for SB 73 by Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice - Requiring school district enrollment to be determined using the current school year or preceding school year enrollment under the Kansas school equity and enhancement act.

KS HB2690

Relating to the prevention of overdose deaths by providing a defense for prosecution for certain offenses involving the delivery or possession of controlled substances and other prohibited drugs, substances, or paraphernalia for certain persons who seek medical attention for a suspected opioid overdose, and the prescription, administration, and possession of certain opioid antagonists for the treatment of suspected opioid overdoses.

KS SB422

Provides immunity for rendering assistance in medical emergencies involving alcohol consumption or drug overdose. (8/1/14)

KS HB2547

Pertaining to the regulation of certain drugs, authorizing schools to maintain stock supplies of emergency medication kits for certain life-threatening conditions and adding and removing certain substances in schedules I, II, IV and V of the uniform controlled substances act and making conforming changes to the criminal code definition of fentanyl-related controlled substances.

KS HB225

Relating to the prescription, administration, and possession of certain opioid antagonists for the treatment of a suspected overdose and a defense to prosecution for certain offenses involving controlled substances and other prohibited drugs, substances, or paraphernalia for defendants seeking assistance for a suspected overdose.

KS AB634

Immunity for certain controlled substances offenses for aiders and aided persons.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.