BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) A North Dakota lawmaker is pushing a measure that would grant immunity for someone who calls authorities to report a drug overdose.
Republican Sen. Howard Anderson says the bill is aimed at saving lives. The retired Turtle Lake pharmacist says there are cases in North Dakota in which drug overdoses have gone unreported for fear of criminal prosecution.
The Senate Judiciary Committee took testimony on the bill Tuesday.
Tyler Auck of Bismarck said he's a recovering drug user and urged lawmakers to pass the measure. Auck said he once overdosed on drugs and was left to die because his acquaintances were afraid to call authorities, fearing they would go to jail.
The National Conference of State Legislatures says more than 20 states have some form of a drug immunity law.