The bill establishes the emergency opioid antagonists assistance grant fund within the state treasury, which will be administered by the attorney general. The fund is intended to provide financial assistance to law enforcement agencies for the procurement of emergency opioid antagonists. The bill specifies that on July 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, $500,000 will be transferred from the state general fund to this grant fund. Additionally, the attorney general is tasked with developing a grant program that prioritizes small law enforcement agencies and requires them to adopt a policy mandating the administration of emergency opioid antagonists to be eligible for funding.

The bill also amends existing definitions and protocols related to emergency opioid antagonists. It clarifies the roles of first responders, including law enforcement officers and school nurses, in possessing and administering these life-saving medications. Furthermore, it provides legal protections for healthcare providers, pharmacists, and first responders who administer emergency opioid antagonists in good faith, shielding them from civil liability or criminal prosecution, except in cases of gross negligence. The bill aims to enhance the response to opioid overdoses and ensure that first responders are equipped to handle such emergencies effectively.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 65-16
As Amended by House Committee: 65-16
As Further Amended by House Committee: 65-16