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 purchase of emergency opioid antagonists, with a focus on small agencies. The bill mandates that only agencies with a policy requiring the administration of these antagonists are eligible for grants. Additionally, it reduces the annual transfer from the state general fund to the grant fund from $4,000,000 to $500,000, effective July 1, 2025.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing definitions and provisions related to opioid antagonists and first responders. It clarifies the roles of first responders, including law enforcement officers, and establishes a protocol for the dispensing of emergency opioid antagonists by pharmacists. The bill also provides legal protections for healthcare providers, pharmacists, and first responders who administer these medications in good faith, shielding them from civil liability or criminal prosecution, except in cases of gross negligence. Notably, it removes previous exclusions for law enforcement agencies regarding liability protections when administering opioid antagonists.

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