Bill > SB0940

This bill amends Tennessee's existing substance use laws to expand legal protections for individuals seeking medical help during overdose situations. Specifically, the bill broadens the definition of "drug or alcohol violation" to include a comprehensive list of specific legal code sections related to substance use, and modifies terminology from "drug overdose" to simply "overdose" to explicitly include both drug and alcohol-related incidents. The bill creates a legal framework that provides immunity from prosecution for individuals who seek medical assistance for someone experiencing an overdose, regardless of whether the overdose involves drugs or alcohol. An important new provision excludes certain violations for licensed alcohol-related businesses and their employees, ensuring that the immunity does not apply to specific alcohol-related infractions committed within the scope of their professional work. The changes are designed to encourage people to call for help during medical emergencies without fear of legal repercussions, potentially saving lives by removing barriers to seeking immediate medical intervention. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving state agencies and legal systems time to prepare for the updated regulations.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0940&ga=114