News

Expansion of the Good Samaritan Law (HB995; SB940)

July 2025

Sponsors: Rep. Iris Rudder, R-Winchester, and Sen. Richard Briggs, R-Knoxville

Currently, people who seek medical assistance during a drug overdose are immune from being arrested for a drug violation. In addition, they are immune from prosecution if they seek medical assistance for a first-time overdose and the evidence for the potential charge arises from their request for medical intervention.

This law expands the immunity to include someone who is underage and experiencing an alcohol, hemp-derived cannabinoid, tobacco or vape overdose.