NEW LAW OFFERS IMMUNITY TO 911 CALLERS WHO REPORT DRUG OVERDOSE

In March of this year, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law a measure
that makes Washington the second state in the nation to have a law
granting some legal immunity to people who call to report a drug overdose.

The measure, passed by the Legislature last month, takes effect in
June. New Mexico has had a similar law since 2007.

Under the measure, people who seek help for someone suffering a drug
overdose would not face prosecution for possession of drugs, but the
person could still be charged with the manufacturing or sale of
drugs. The measure also exempts the person suffering the overdose
from prosecution, and anyone for whom the evidence is gained only
because medical assistance was called. The Times story quoted
lawmakers after the law was official.

"We're going to save lives," Rep. Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, told
Senate sponsor, Sen. Rosa Franklin, D-Tacoma, after the bill signing.

There were 820 unintentional fatal drug overdoses in 2008 in
Washington state, more than double the 403 in 1999, according to the
state Department of Health.

Supporters said states need to do all they can to try ensure that
people call 911 quickly when someone is having an overdose.

"It might take the fear out of calling for help," Franklin said.

Don Pierce, executive director of the Washington Association of
Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, told the Seattle Times, that his group
was opposed to the original bill introduced last year but became
supportive of it this year once it was narrowed to ensure that those
who supply drugs could still be prosecuted.

"What it came down to for us is that if it can save a few lives, it's
worth it," he said.

Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Rhode Island are also
considering similar measures this year, according to the National
Conference of State Legislatures.

Alaska and Maryland have laws that allow calling 911 to be considered
as a "mitigating factor" in any prosecution or sentencing for the
person calling 911 or the overdose victim, but they can still be
arrested and prosecuted for simple drug possession at the scene of an overdose.