Bill > HB2159

This bill creates a new emergency opioid antagonists assistance grant fund and modifies existing regulations regarding opioid overdose prevention. The bill removes provisions that previously established the fund and its administration by the Attorney General, effectively eliminating the previously planned $4,000,000 annual transfer from the state general fund. The legislation also amends the definition of "first responder" by removing law enforcement officers from this category and excludes law enforcement agencies from the state board of pharmacy's statewide opioid antagonist protocol. The bill removes specific legal protections previously afforded to law enforcement officers and agencies related to administering emergency opioid antagonists (medications that can reverse opioid overdoses, such as naloxone). These changes appear to shift the focus of emergency opioid antagonist administration away from law enforcement and potentially reduce their direct involvement in overdose response protocols. The bill maintains protections for other first responders like emergency medical service providers, fire department members, and school nurses who administer these life-saving medications, ensuring they remain protected from civil liability when acting in good faith and with reasonable care.

Health and Social Services

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2159/