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Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen, and Senator Joseph F. Vitale, D-Middlesex, speak following a senate session.

20 Aug: Vitale-Weinberg ‘Good Samaritan Emergency Response Act’ Heads To Governor

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg that would protect good Samaritans who call 911 to seek medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug overdose was approved today by the full Senate and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

“The leading cause of accidental death in New Jersey is no longer automobile accidents, but drug overdoses,” said Senator Vitale (D-Middlesex). “Many of the hundreds of New Jersey men and women who die each year from drug overdoses could have been saved if those with them when they overdosed were not afraid of arrest or prosecution for seeking emergency medical attention. By creating a limited immunity from prosecution for individuals who call for medical assistance for an overdose victim, we can hopefully keep that person alive long enough to get them into a substance abuse treatment program, so they can get back their lives.”

A view of the Senate Chambers from the 2010-2011 Senate Reorganization.

21 Jun: Vitale-Weinberg ‘Good Samaritan Emergency Response Act’ Approved By Judiciary Committee

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg that would protect good Samaritans who call 911 for someone experiencing a drug overdose was approved today by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accidental death in New Jersey and many of them could be prevented if those near the victim were not afraid to call 911 for emergency attention or were not compelled to hide important facts such as what drugs the victim had taken,” said Senator Vitale (D-Middlesex). “Hopefully this bill will remove people’s fears and end their hesitation in reaching out for emergency help to save someone’s life.”