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Bill Proposes Immunity For People Who Report Overdoses

Douglas Porter via Flickr CC

New Hampshire lawmakers are considering a bill that would give people who report alcohol or drug overdoses immunity from criminal prosecution in certain situations.

A Senate committee is taking testimony on a bill, already passed by the House, on Tuesday. Senators earlier this year sent a similar bill for more study. The bill's sponsors say their intent is to encourage witnesses and victims of drug overdoses to seek medical attention that could save a life.

New Hampshire is facing an ongoing heroin epidemic that caused about 70 deaths last year. Under the bill, the police would not be able to use evidence gathered at the scene of a reported drug overdose to prosecute the person who reports the crime, or the victim if he or she reports the overdose.

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