Good Samaritan Laws for Overdose 2025

Overdose Good Samaritan Laws are state-level protections that prevent you from being (one or more of):

  1. Arrested

  2. Charged

  3. Prosecuted

for possession of illicit drugs for personal use at the scene of an overdose when you call 911 for life-sustaining medical assistance in the event you or someone around you is overdosing.

SCROLL TO YOUR STATE’S LAW BELOW

To be protected under Overdose Good Samaritan Laws you must:

  • ⭐️ Call 911 immediately to report a “medical emergency” for the overdose.

  • ⭐️ Stay on-scene with the overdose victim until help arrives.

  • ⭐️ Answer the first responders’ questions - including providing names and information on what the overdose victim may have consumed before overdosing.

** Specific units determining personal use vs. drug trafficking volumes vary by state. Check your state’s laws (linked below) for penalties and qualifications on specific substances. Links to each state’s legislation are provided below.

DopaGE is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Database last updated February 15, 2025.

KEY

law enforcement does not have this power under the state’s Overdose Good Samaritan Law

[ ✓ ] = PROTECTED

law enforcement may choose to exercise this power when an individual is seeking medical assistance for an overdose

[ - ] = NOT protected

  • Protection applies for the first 911 caller only:

    [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl test strips are decriminalized in Alabama

    Read the law: Ala. Code § 20-2-281 (under Title 20, Ch. 2, Article 13, Section 20-2-281)

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller and the overdose victim:

    [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 0 of 3 ] NO PROTECTION FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ - ] Prosecution

    *The state of Alaska has no laws against drug paraphernalia, but some cities do.

    Read the law: Alaska Stat. § 11.71.311

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller(s) and the overdose victim:

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl test strips are decriminalized in Arizona

    Read the law here: Ariz. Rev. Stat. Sec. 13-3423(A)(B)

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller(s) and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl test strips are decriminalized in Arkansas

    Read the law:

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller(s) and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl test strips are decriminalized in California

    Read the law: Cal. Health & Safety Code § 11376.5

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller(s), and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test Strips are decriminalized in Colorado

    Read the law: C.R.S. 18-1-711

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller(s) and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test Strips are decriminalized in Connecticut

    Read the law: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-279(d)

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller, those who assist the caller, and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR FENTANYL TEST STRIP POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test Strips are decriminalized in Delaware

    Read the law: Del. Code. tit. 16, § 4769(b) - scroll to bottom

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller, those who assist the caller, witnesses, and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test Strips are decriminalized in Washington DC

    Read the law: D.C. Code § 7-403.

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test Strips are decriminalized in Florida

    Read the law: Fla. Stat. § 893.21

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller, those who assist the caller, and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test Strips are decriminalized in Georgia

    Read the law: Ga. Code § 16-13-5 - see pages 3 and 4

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller, those who assist the caller, and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test Strips are decriminalized in Hawaii

    Read the law: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 329-43.6

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller(s) and the overdose victim:

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test Strips are decriminalized in Idaho

    Read the law: Idaho Code § 37-2739C

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller(s) and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test Strips are decriminalized in Illinois

    Read the law: 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 570/414

  • Only if the 911 caller administered naloxone to the overdose victim is the 911 caller protected:

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    No protections apply for the overdose victim. If naloxone is not administered, no protections apply for the 911 caller.

    [ 0 of 3 ] NO PROTECTION FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ - ] Prosecution

    Read the law: Ind. Code § 16-42-27-2

  • Provides protective measures against prosecution for the first 911 caller only (Does not explicitly restrict prosecution):

    [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    Read the Law: Iowa Code § 124.418

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test Strips are decriminalized in Kansas

    Read the law: Kansas State Legislature SB No. 419

    (Signed into law May 9, 2024)

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller, those who assist the caller, and the overdose victim:

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test strips are decriminalized in Kentucky

    Read the Law: Ky. Rev. Stat. § 218A.133

  • IMPORTANT: Louisiana requires any witness to an overdose to intervene and assist the victim - failure to assist is punishable by fines and imprisonment.

    Protections apply for the 911 caller, those who assist the caller, and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test strips are decriminalized in Louisiana

    Read the Law: La. Rev. Stat. § 14:403.10

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller, those who assist the caller, witnesses, and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test strips are decriminalized in Maine

    Read the Law: Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 17-A, § 1111-B

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller, those who assist the caller, and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    Read the Law: Md. Code, Crim. Proc. § 1-210(b)(c)

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller and the overdose victim:

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test strips are decriminalized in Massachusetts

    Read the Law: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 94C, § 34A(a)(b)

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller and the overdose victim:

    [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 0 of 3 ] NOT PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ - ] Prosecution

    Read the Law: Mich. Comp. Laws § 333.7404(3)(a)(b)

  • IMPORTANT: Minnesota requires any witness to an overdose to intervene and assist the victim - failure to assist is punishable as a petty misdemeanor.

    Protections apply for the 911 caller and the overdose victim:

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test strips are decriminalized in Minnesota

    Read the Law: Minn. Stat. § 604A.05(Subd. 1, 2)

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller, those who assist the caller, and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test strips are decriminalized in Mississippi

    Read the Law: Miss. Code Ann. § 41-29-149.1

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test strips are decriminalized in Missouri

    Read the Law: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 195.205

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller, those who assist the caller, and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl test strips are decriminalized in Montana

    Read the Law: Mont. Code § 50-32-609

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    Read the Law: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-472.

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller(s) and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl test strips are decriminalized in Nevada

    Read the Law: Nev. Rev. Stat. § 453C.150

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller(s) and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 OF 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 0 OF 3 ] NO PROTECTION FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ - ] Prosecution

    Read the Law: N.H. Rev. Stat. § 318-B:28-b

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller(s) and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test strips are decriminalized in New Jersey

    Read the Law: N.J. Stat. § 2C:35-30

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test strips are decriminalized in New Mexico

    Read the Law: N.M. Stat. § 30-31-27.1

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller(s) and the overdose victim:

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test strips are decriminalized in New York

    Read the Law: N.Y. Penal Law § 220.78

  • Protection applies for 911 caller and the overdose victim:

    [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test strips are decriminalized in North Carolina

    Read the Law: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-96.2

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller and overdose victim:

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    Read the Law: N.D. Cent. Code § 19-03.1-23.4. (see page 38)

  • Protections (which require referral to a qualified substance rehabilitation program within 30 days) apply for the 911 caller and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test strips are decriminalized in Ohio

    Read the Law: Ohio Rev. Code § 2925.11(B)(2)(b)

    Guide to the Law

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller and overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    Read the Law: Okla. Stat. tit. 63, § 2-413.1

    See page 868-869

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller, those who assist the caller, witnesses, and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    Read the Law: Or. Rev. Stat. § 475.898

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller and the overdose victim:

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test strips are decriminalized in Pennsylvania

    Read the Law: 35 PA. Cons. Stat. § 780-113.7

  • IMPORTANT: Rhode Island requires any witness to an overdose to intervene and assist the victim - failure to assist is punishable by fines and imprisonment.

    Protections apply for the 911 caller and the overdose victim:

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test Strips are decriminalized in Rhode Island

    Read the Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-28.9-4.

  • Protection applies for the 911 caller and the overdose victim:

    [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    Read the Law: S.C. Code § 44-53-1920

  • Protection applies for the 911 caller:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    NOTE: The immunity granted may only be applied 1 time per person.

    [ 0 of 3 ] NO PROTECTION FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ - ] Prosecution

    Read the Law: S.D. Codified Laws § 34-20A-110

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test strips are decriminalized in Tennessee

    Read the Law: TCA Section 63-1-156 (Amended as of 07.01.2023)

  • EXTREMELY LIMITED PROTECTION in Texas as of February 15, 2025.

    Although the 911 caller and overdose victim may still be arrested, charged, and prosecuted for possession, Texas provides an affirmative defense from prosecution for substance and/or underage alcohol possession in the event of an overdose for only:

    1. The first person who calls for emergency medical assistance AND

    2. The person who is overdosing

    This defense from prosecution cannot be applied if:

    1. The individual has ever used this defense from prosecution in the past OR

    2. The person has called 911 for a suspected overdose within the last 18 months.

    3. The person does not remain on scene until medical assistance arrived

    4. The person does not cooperate with law enforcement personnel

    Read the Law: TX Health & Safety Code § 481.001(2021)

  • EXTREMELY LIMITED PROTECTION in Utah as of February 15, 2025.

    Although the 911 caller and overdose victim may still be arrested, charged, and prosecuted for possession, Utah provides an affirmative defense from prosecution for substance possession in the event of an overdose for only:

    1. The first person who calls for emergency medical assistance AND

    2. A person who assists the person who calls for emergency medical services AND

    3. The person who is overdosing

    This defense from prosecution cannot be applied if:

    1. The person does not remain on scene until medical assistance arrived

    2. The person does not cooperate with law enforcement personnel

    Read the Law: UC 58-37-8.16 (2023)

    (Scroll to #16)

  • IMPORTANT: Vermont requires any witness to an overdose to intervene and assist the victim - failure to assist is punishable by a fine.

    Protections apply for the 911 caller(s) and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 0 of 3 ] NO PROTECTION FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ - ] Prosecution

    Read the Law: 18 V.S.A. § 4254

    Note: In the law, "This chapter" refers to the entirety of Title 18, Chapter 84: Possession and Control of Regulated Drugs

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller and the overdose victim:

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ✓ ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test strips are decriminalized in Virginia

    Read the Law: VA Code § 18.2-251.03

  • Protections apply for the 911 caller(s) and overdose victim:

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 0 of 3 ] NOT PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ - ] Prosecute

    Read the Law: RCW 69.50.315

  • Protection applies for the 911 caller:

    [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE AND/OR UNDERAGE ALCOHOL POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 0 of 3 ] NO PROTECTIONS FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ - ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test Strips are decriminalized in West Virginia

    Read the Law: WV Code §16-47-4

  • Protection applies for the 911 caller:

    [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    *Fentanyl Test Strips are decriminalized in Wisconsin

    Read the Law: Wis. Stat. 961.443

  • NO GOOD SAMARITAN LAW PROTECTIONS for overdose in Wyoming as of February 15, 2025.

  • Protection applies for the 911 caller(s) and overdose victim:

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ ✓ ] Charge

    [ ✓ ] Prosecution

    Read the law: CanadaGood Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (S.C. 2017, c. 4)