Immunity for addicts seeking overdose help

OLYMPIA — Gov. Chris Gregoire on Wednesday signed into law a measure that makes Washington the second state in the nation to have a law granting some legal immunity to people who call to report a drug overdose.

The measure, passed by the Legislature last month, takes effect in June. New Mexico has had a similar law since 2007.

Under the measure, people who seek help for someone suffering a drug overdose would not face prosecution for possession of drugs, but the person could still be charged with the manufacturing or sale of drugs. The measure also exempts the person suffering the overdose from prosecution, and anyone for whom the evidence is gained only because medical assistance was called.

“We’re going to save lives,” Rep. Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, told Senate sponsor, Sen. Rosa Franklin, D-Tacoma, after the bill signing.