House approves bill requiring first responders to notify law enforcement of suspected overdoses

Chief Deputy Floor Leader Bayshore presented House Bill 2941, which requires first responders to notify law enforcement when they encounter a suspected drug overdose after providing medical care, and grants legal immunity to first responders who make such notifications in good faith. "In cases of fatal overdoses involving fentanyl, it establishes that the presence of fentanyl is presumed to be the cause of death," Bayshore said.

Members asked few questions on the floor and the bill was advanced without protracted debate. The clerk recorded a vote of 87 Aye, 2 Nay on final passage. Sponsors framed the bill as improving reporting and data collection for overdose response and enforcement.

The measure will go to the Senate for consideration; the sponsor said it aims to standardize notifications and protect first responders acting in good faith.