The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 604A.05, subdivision 1, to provide legal immunity for individuals who assist others in seeking medical help for drug-related overdoses. The new language specifies that a person acting in good faith who either seeks medical assistance or acts in concert with someone seeking such assistance will not face charges or prosecution for possession, sharing, or use of controlled substances or drug paraphernalia. The bill clarifies that immunity applies only if the evidence for the charge was obtained as a result of seeking medical assistance and that the individual must cooperate with authorities.

Additionally, the bill removes the requirement that the person seeking medical assistance must be the first to do so in order to qualify for immunity. It also establishes that good faith does not include seeking medical assistance while executing an arrest or search warrant. The effective date for this section is set for August 1, 2024, and it will apply to acts committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 604A.05
1st Engrossment: 604A.05