HB 294 - Under this act, a person who, in good faith, seeks or obtains medical assistance for himself or herself or someone else who is experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose or other medical emergency shall not be arrested, charged, prosecuted, convicted, or have his or her property subject to civil forfeiture or otherwise penalized for offenses specified in the act if the evidence, charge, prosecution, conviction, seizure, or penalty was gained as a result of seeking or obtaining medical assistance. This act shall not prevent a police officer from arresting a person for an outstanding warrant or prevent a person from being arrested, charged, or prosecuted based on an offense other than the specified offenses in the act, whether the offense arises from the same circumstances as the seeking of medical assistance. Additionally, the protection of prosecution under this act for possession offenses shall not be grounds for suppression of evidence or dismissal in charges unrelated to this act. Finally, any police officer who is in contact with any person or persons in need of emergency medical assistance under this act shall provide appropriate information and resources for substance-related assistance. This act is identical to a provision in CCS/HCS/SB 501 (2017). SARAH HASKINS
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