MichiganNews

Drug overdoses in Michigan can be reported no questions asked if new law passes

A detective in the Ocean County Prosecutors office sorts out packets of confiscated heroin Wednesday Aug. 7, 2013, in Toms River, N.J. With the number of heroin overdoses skyrocketing nationwide, a growing number of law enforcement agencies are dusting off strict, rarely-used drug laws, changing investigatory techniques and relying on technology to prosecute drug dealers for causing overdose deaths. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Anyone in Michigan could report drug overdoses without fear of being prosecuted for illegal possession under legislation nearing Gov. Rick Snyder‘s desk.

The Senate voted 30-7 for legislation Thursday to expand a law exempting people from prosecution if they report an overdose from an illegal substance. The bills won House approval in May and could get a final vote next week.

The protections would extend to people of any age for any controlled substance. A 2015 law protects people under 21 from charges when reporting an overdose or medical emergency arising from prescription drug and painkiller use.

Michigan also provides immunity to minors helping someone in danger from alcohol intoxication.

One opponent says the new legislation is tantamount to “de facto” drug legalization.

Related posts

Indiana Primary, Michigan Special Election results

Jon Zimney

Trolling with the Troops planned for SWMI Veterans in June

Tommie Lee

Food Bank of Northern Indiana’s Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive coming up on May 11

95.3 MNC

Leave a Comment