Tennessee Law Expands ‘Good Samaritan’ Bill

The Tennessee General Assembly recently passed a bill that extends immunity from prosecution to individuals who seek medical assistance for themselves or others in the event of a suspected alcohol overdose. This intends to protect individuals from being charged with alcohol-related misdemeanors like public intoxication and underage drinking.

The addition was inspired by a University of Tennessee alumna who lost her 18-year-old brother from an alcohol overdose at a party. His friends were afraid to call for help because they were also drinking underage. The law, which removes legal deterrents, aims to improve emergency response and save lives.

The bill, which went into effect on July 1, expands the initial Good Samaritan Law, which only protected individuals from prosecution in the event of a drug overdose.