Bill > LD1646

This bill updates Maine's Good Samaritan laws to expand protections for individuals during drug-related overdose situations. Specifically, the bill removes references to "medical emergencies" and broadens the scope to include calls for assistance when a person exhibits symptoms of a drug-related overdose. The bill provides a comprehensive definition of "symptoms of a drug-related overdose," which includes a wide range of physical, cognitive, and behavioral conditions such as altered mental status, impaired breathing, abnormal skin appearance, changes in consciousness, involuntary bodily functions, and abnormal vocalizations. Under this updated law, individuals at the scene of a suspected overdose would be immune from arrest, prosecution, and certain legal proceedings related to conditions of release, probation, or community supervision if these consequences arise from a medical professional or law enforcement officer's response to an assistance call. The primary intent is to encourage people to seek help without fear of legal repercussions during potentially life-threatening drug-related emergencies, thereby potentially saving lives by reducing hesitation to call for medical aid.

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https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1646&snum=132