Senate passes naloxone‑immunity measure to protect good‑faith rescuers

Senator Heather Weaver, sponsor of Senate Bill 65, told colleagues the floor substitute clarifies liability protections for people who administer opioid antagonists such as naloxone, saying the change "will make clear that people can help people when needed." Weaver said the substitute was prompted by questions about whether donors or volunteers supplying the product could face legal exposure.

The measure frames the protection around "good faith" administration, Weaver said, and explicitly exempts acts of "gross negligence, conscious disregard, or willful or wanton wrongdoing." "If someone is honestly trying to save someone's life, we want them to be able to not hesitate," Weaver said during floor explanation and repeated in closing remarks asking for a yes vote.

Minority leader Kurt asked whether the bill's use of the term naloxone was brand specific and whether the language would apply broadly; Weaver pointed senators to the bill text saying the definition includes but is not limited to naloxone. Senators pressed on whether the provision eliminates civil damages; Weaver said section d includes immunity except in the listed exceptions.

Senator Grellner and other physicians on the floor asked about potential adverse reactions after administration; Weaver said the bill is intended to eliminate hesitancy to render aid and that she was not aware of examples where a rescuer was prosecuted for giving an antagonist in good faith.

After brief debate, Weaver moved advancement and the bill was advanced and read on third reading. The clerk recorded 41 aye votes and 0 nays; the presiding officer declared Senate Bill 65 passed and, after the sponsor requested emergency treatment, the Senate declared the measure an emergency.

The bill now goes to the next steps required for enrollment and enactment as an emergency measure.