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Senate committee passes ‘Good Samaritan’ prescription drug overdose bill

Posted at 11:27 AM, Nov 05, 2015
and last updated 2015-11-05 11:47:55-05

LANSING, Mich. -- A bill that would protect minors who report prescription drug-related emergencies passed in the Senate Criminal  Justice Committee unanimously this morning.

Lawmakers heard testimony on the legislation. It would expand the state's "Good Samaritan" law that currently protects minors in alcohol-related emergencies.

The bill was introduced following the death of16-year-old Mason Mizwicki of Berrien County. He died in January from a prescription drug overdose.

Mizwicki's family says his friends didn't call for help because they were afraid of facing charges.

The bill unanimously passed the state House in October. Now that it's passed the Senate committee, the bill now heads to the Senate floor for a full vote. If and when it passes the full Senate, it will then head to the Governor's desk for his signature.