Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has signed a bill that provides legal protections for those who seek or provide medical assistance to a person suffering a medical emergency related to drug use.
The bill is called the Good Samaritan Law, and it will prevent those suffering a drug overdose and bystanders who seek the help of emergency services from being prosecuted for drug possession or use.
Governor Kelly said in a press release, “This bill is a lifeline for families and Kansans who are battling substance use disorders. It will save lives and provide the opportunity for recovery.”
Kansas House member Nick Hoheisel of Wichita said “By extending immunity from prosecution to those seeking or providing aid related to controlled substances, we recognize the inherent value and dignity in every life, even amidst drug-related challenges. Whether it’s teenagers experimenting with pills or older individuals battling addiction, each life is a precious gift deserving preservation. While advocating for stricter penalties for those involved in drug distribution, immediate action is imperative to keep those already struggling with addiction alive long enough to seek help. This legislation is not just about policy; it’s about saving lives, including those of our friends, family, and loved ones.”
This follows a bill signed by Governor Kelly in 2023 that decriminalizes the use of fentanyl test strips to prevent overdose deaths in Kansas while increasing criminal penalties for manufacturing or distributing fentanyl.
