Both laws aim to save lives by encouraging people to call 911 without fear of punishment, but..
911 Lifeline Law focuses on alcohol emergencies among youth
while the Overdose Prevention Act focuses on drug overdoses.
The 911 Lifeline Law focuses mainly on alcohol emergencies involving underage people.
Goal:
Encourage teens to call for help instead of avoiding emergency services because they fear getting in trouble.
What it does:
Gives limited immunity from prosecution for underage drinking if someone calls 911 for a medical emergency caused by alcohol.
Protects:
The first person who calls 911
The person experiencing alcohol poisoning
To receive protection, the caller must:
Call 911
Provide their name to the dispatcher
Stay with the person
Cooperate with police/medical responders.
Does not provide immunity for:
DUI
Distribution of alcohol to minors
Other unrelated criminal offenses
Impact on youth:
Encourages students to seek emergency medical help immediately.
Reduces fear of punishment for calling 911
Increases the likelihood that students will call for help during alcohol poisoning emergencies instead of hiding the situation.
Helps prevent deaths from excessive drinking.
The Overdose Prevention Act focuses mainly on drug overdoses (especially opioids).
Goal:
Encourage people to call 911 during drug overdoses and enable life-saving treatment.
What it does:
Provides “Good Samaritan” protections so people who call for help during a drug overdose won’t be arrested for minor drug possession.
Allows naloxone (Narcan) to be administered to reverse opioid overdoses.
To receive immunity, individuals must:
Seeks medical assistance in good faith
Believe the person is experiencing an overdose and needs help
There must be evidence coming from the act of seeking help (proof of drug possession).
Applies only to the person calling for medical assistance and the person experiencing the overdose
Limitations:
Does not provide immunity for all crimes.. Individuals may still be arrested for:
Drug manufacturing or distribution
Other unrelated criminal offenses
DUI
Drug-induced death charges in certain situations
Youth impact:
Allows schools and other community settings to keep naloxone on site.
NJ schools must develop policies and procedures for storing and administering naloxone.
Increases chances of surviving an opioid overdose.
Encourages young people to seek help in drug emergencies.