Friend suffering from an overdose? A proposed law would protect you if you call for help.
A bill that would enable calling for help for those who are suffering from an overdose without callers getting into trouble cleared another hurdle on Tuesday.
A House panel advanced a Senate bill by Sen. Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, that allows for limited protections for those who are in possession of drugs or paraphernalia, but wish to call for help someone who is suffering from a drug- or alcohol-related overdose.
The bill was amended to mirror language from a similar House bill that chamber has already passed to increase its chances of becoming law before the end of session next week. There are fewer than five days remaining on the legislative calendar.
The bill now heads for the House floor. Because of the changes made, a committee with members from both chambers will have to hash out a compromise before it can receive a final approval.
Cynthia Roldán: 803-771-8311, @CynthiaRoldan
This story was originally published May 2, 2017 at 6:18 PM with the headline "Friend suffering from an overdose? A proposed law would protect you if you call for help.."