Extends the immunity from alcohol- or drug-related offenses in cases of emergency overdose care to violations of bail conditions.
Impact
The implications of this bill are significant as it seeks to reduce the barriers individuals face when deciding to intervene during an overdose situation. By broadening the scope of legal immunity, it incentivizes more people to act in emergency situations, possibly leading to an increase in the number of overdose cases that receive timely medical intervention. This could positively affect public health outcomes related to drug abuse and overdose incidents within the state.
Summary
House Bill 6406 amends the Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Act of 2016 to provide enhanced protections for individuals seeking medical assistance during drug or alcohol overdoses. The bill specifically extends legal immunity to those who assist someone experiencing an overdose, ensuring they will not be prosecuted for related offenses such as possession of controlled substances or violation of bail conditions if they seek help in good faith. This extension aims to encourage individuals to call for assistance without fear of legal repercussions, thereby potentially saving lives during critical moments.
Contention
Despite the positive intentions behind H6406, there may be points of contention regarding the amendment's effectiveness and its implications on the legal system. Critics might argue that while it is important to encourage assistance during emergencies, there are concerns about potential abuse of this immunity. Questions could arise related to how these protections interact with existing drug laws and how they may impact ongoing efforts to control drug-related offenses, particularly in enforcement contexts. Stakeholders may also discuss whether further safeguards are needed to prevent misuse of the law.
Extends the "lookback" period for repeat offenses involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs under § 31-27-2 and for repeat offenses related to failure or refusal to submit to chemical tests under § 31-27-2.1 from five to ten years.
Extends the "lookback" period for repeat offenses involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs under § 31-27-2 and for repeat offenses related to failure or refusal to submit to chemical tests under § 31-27-2.1 from five to ten years.
Extends the "lookback" period for repeat offenses involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs under § 31-27-2 and for repeat offenses related to failure or refusal to submit to chemical tests under § 31-27-2.1 from 5 years to 10 years.
Increases mandatory liability coverage for retail alcoholic beverage license holders from $300,000 to $1,000,000/Prevents injured consumers of alcohol recovering damages/Increases mandatory min jail sentence for 2nd time violation of DUI of alcohol/drugs.
Provides immunity to people involved in commercial sexual activity if they are victims or witnesses to various other offenses and would not grant immunity to law enforcement officers for arresting those persons.
Requires the director of the department of health to provide guidance to non-governmental employers and the public on acquiring opioid antagonist medication and training for its use.
Makes the possession of small amounts of schedule I through V controlled substances, except for the possession of marijuana, civil violations punishable by a ($100) fine for a first offense and up to ($300) for subsequent offenses.