New Mexico is poised to enact a lifesaving law that would be the first of its kind in the United States. The legislature passed a bill earlier this month that would protect people from drug possession charges if they call 911 to save the life of a friend or family member who is experiencing a drug overdose.
 
Known as the 911 Good Samaritan Bill, SB 200 is an important measure for improving public health in New Mexico, which has the highest rate of overdose deaths in the nation and one of the highest per capita heroin-related death rates in the United States.
 
The 911 Good Samaritan bill (SB 200) provides limited immunity from drug possession charges when a witness or victim of a drug-related overdose calls emergency services for help.
 
"This is definitely a step in the right direction toward addressing the overwhelming number of preventable overdose deaths in New Mexico," said Reena Szczepanski, director of the Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico.
 
The bill passed the House of Representatives by a 42-25 margin, and now awaits Gov. Bill Richardson’s signature.
 
The 911 Good Samaritan bill is one of several public health measures passed by the New Mexico legislature this year, including two pieces of treatment legislation.
 
One would create a pilot project in the New Mexico women’s prison to help women with a history of narcotic addiction. HB 528 would establish an evidence-based treatment program using the medication buprenorphine to treat female inmates with heroin addictions.
 
The other treatment measure approved by the legislature this year would direct the state Medicaid program to seek federal government approval to include substance abuse treatment as a covered service for Medicaid recipients. If accepted, this amendment would increase desperately needed treatment access. New Mexico ranks as one of the top states in the nation for people who need but do not receive substance abuse treatment.
 
A bill to provide seriously ill people with medical marijuana access also passed.
 
"Governor Richardson provided enormous leadership in the past session by supporting bills that help people and save lives," said Szczepanski. "We're confident that the 911 Good Samaritan bill falls squarely within that context and that the Governor will sign it at his first opportunity."