Good Samaritan Laws for Overdose 2024

Good Samaritan Laws are * State-by-State * protections that prevent any or all of:

  1. Arrest

  2. Charges

  3. Prosecution

as a result of illicit drugs & paraphernalia for personal use discovered at the scene of an overdose in the possession of overdose victim(s) & bystander(s) who call 911 for life-sustaining medical assistance.

SCROLL TO YOUR STATE’S LAW BELOW

To use Good Samaritan Law protections * regardless of state * you must:

  • ⭐️ Call 911 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.

Please note: DopaGE is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Research updated as of October 1, 2024.

KEY

law enforcement does not have this power in this state when an individual is seeking medical assistance for another’s (also protected) overdose/poisoning

[ X ] = PROTECTED

law enforcement may choose to exercise this power in this state when an individual is seeking medical assistance for another’s overdose/poisoning

[ - ] = NOT protected

  • [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 0 of 3 ] NO PROTECTION FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ - ] Prosecute

    Read the law here: Alaska Stat. § 11.71.311

  • [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 0 of 3 ] NO PROTECTION FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ - ] Prosecute

    Read the law: A.C.A. § 20-13-1704 (2024)

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    Read the law: Cal. Health & Safety Code § 11376.5 (2024)

  • [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    Read the law: C.R.S. 18-1-711 (2024)

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

    Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-267(d)

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    Read the law: Del. Code. tit. 16, § 4769(b) (2024)

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    Read the law: D.C. Code § 7-403. (2024)

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    Read the law: Fla. Stat. § 893.21

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    Read the law: Ga. Code § 16-13-5 (2023)

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    Read the law: Idaho Code § 37-2739C (2023)

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution **

    [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution **

    ** Does not explicitly deny prosecution, but provides protective measures against prosecution. See excerpts provided below.

    Read the Law: Iowa Code § 124.418

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ ⭐️ ] Arrest

    [ ⭐️ ] Charge

    [ ⭐️ ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ ⭐️ ] Arrest

    [ ⭐️ ] Charge

    [ ⭐️ ] Prosecution

    Read the law: Kansas State Legislature SB No. 419

    (Signed into Law on May 9, 2024)

  • [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 0 of 3 ] NOT PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ - ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 0 of 3 ] NOT PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ - ] Prosecute

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

  • [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ NO ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 2 OF 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 0 OF 3 ] NO PROTECTION FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ - ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    Read the Law: N.D. Cent. Code § 19-03.1-23.4.

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION: ***

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    ***Requires referral to a qualified substance rehabilitation program to qualify for protection

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

    Guide to the Law

  • [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

    See page 868

  • [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

    See page 39

  • [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ NO ] Prosecution

    [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 0 of 3 ] NO PROTECTION FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ - ] Prosecution

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

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION: **

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION: **

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

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

  • NO GOOD SAMARITAN LAW PROTECTIONS FOR OVERDOSE in Texas as of April 1, 2024.

    Texas provides an affirmative defense from prosecution 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)

  • NO GOOD SAMARITAN LAW PROTECTIONS FOR OVERDOSE in Utah as of January 1, 2024.

    Utah provides an affirmative defense from prosecution 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)

    Tip: Scroll to #16

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] 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

  • [ 3 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 3 of 3 ] NO PROTECTION FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ X ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    Read the Law: VA Code § 18.2-251.03

  • [ 2 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ X ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 0 of 3 ] NOT PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ - ] Prosecute

    Read the Law: RCW 69.50.315

  • [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 0 of 3 ] NO PROTECTIONS FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ - ] Prosecution

    Read the Law: WV Code §16-47-4

  • [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR SUBSTANCE POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    [ 1 of 3 ] PROTECTED FOR PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION:

    [ - ] Arrest

    [ - ] Charge

    [ X ] Prosecution

    Read the Law: Wis. Stat. 961.443

  • NO GOOD SAMARITAN LAW PROTECTIONS for overdose in Wyoming as of May 1, 2024.