Louisiana Lawmakers Approve Legal Immunity for Drug Overdose Witnesses

Legal immunity is coming for those who witness drug overdoses and call for help. Earlier last week, the Louisiana Legislature passed the “Good Samaritan” law, which they hope will help save the lives of drug users.

Heroin overdoes have become an enormous problem across the state, with many fatalities occurring simply because people involved are too afraid to call for medical assistance for fear they may be prosecuted.

"Research shows the most common (reason) people cite for not calling 911 is fear of police involvement," said Senator Sharon Weston Broome during a recent committee hearing. "(The bill) would directly reduce the number of overdose deaths."

Medical experts say the chances of saving the life of a person suffering from a drug overdose diminishes after three to five minutes. The new law would remove the possibility of criminal charges  against anyone who assists in helping a drug overdose victim.

Governor Bobby Jindal is expected to sign this legislation into law.