LANSING, Mich. (AP/WXMI) — Gov. Rick Snyder has signed a law letting people under age 21 report a prescription drug overdose without having to worry about facing criminal charges.
The "Good Samaritan" exemption enacted Wednesday is similar to a Michigan law already on the books for minors who help someone in danger from alcohol intoxication.
The new law exempts individuals age 20 and younger from prosecution for illegally using or possessing prescription drugs if a health emergency is reported to authorities. It applies regardless of whether someone seeks medical attention for himself or herself, or if another person calls 911 for help.
Suspected drug dealers with higher quantities than is sufficient for personal use will not qualify for immunity.
The exemption was introduced by Michigan Rep. Al Pscholka, R-Stevensville after Mason Mizwicki, a 16-year-old teen from Watervliet, died from an overdose on January 1st. The Mizwicki family has been leading efforts to educate young people about the dangers of drug abuse.
