Governor Kasich Signs Legislation Seeking to Save Lives from Drug Overdose

State Representative Robert Sprague (R-Findlay) today announced the signing of House Bill 110 by Governor John Kasich. House Bill 110 includes provisions from House Bill 249, the “Good Samaritan Law,” legislation that was originally sponsored by Representative Sprague and Representative Denise Driehaus (D-Cincinnati).

Language from H.B. 249, ultimately included as an amendment to H.B. 110, provides criminal immunity to a person who seeks medical assistance for an individual experiencing a drug overdose. This immunity protects a person acting in good faith from a minor drug possession offense, which is penalized as a misdemeanor or fifth degree felony. Granting immunity increases the likelihood that those in the presence of a drug overdose will call for help, thus saving more lives.

This afternoon, Representatives Sprague and Driehaus held a press conference to discuss Ohio’s new Good Samaritan Law.  They were joined by Cindy Koumoutzis, Tony Grotrian, and Kerry Sadler, family members who have struggled to help their children or grandchildren overcome addiction after seeing the effects of an overdose first hand. 

“The 9-1-1 Good Samaritan Law is an important part of a larger package of legislative initiatives to address Ohio’s addiction epidemic, and I appreciate everyone’s contributions to pass this bill into law,” said Rep. Sprague. “It is our hope that this bill will urge individuals to seek help and save lives.”

Ohio is the 35th state to enact a Good Samaritan Law.  House Bill 110 will become effective at  the end of September.