JONES LEGISLATION AIMS TO SAVE LIVES OF DRUG ADDICTS 

Overdose Emergencies would be exempt from prosecution
 

Springfield, IL— State Senator Emil Jones III helped pass legislation aimed at saving the lives of drug abusers. Senate Bill 1701 protects drug users from prosecution if they seek medical help because of an overdose.

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April 11, 2011                                                  Larry Luster 217-782-0907

The legislation is in response to a growing number of incidents where drug abusers have overdosed, but avoided seeking medical assistance due to fears of legal prosecution for drug possession. Many times, these drug users have died.

“Situations like this should never occur,” Jones said. “My heart goes out to the family, and we will continue to do what we can make sure that situations like this never have to happen again.”

SB 1701 also provides reasonable limitations on the amount of controlled substances an abuser can have to prevent criminals from using the proposed law to avoid prosecution for drug trafficking.

“The intent of the legislation is to ensure that individuals who overdose on drugs can receive proper medical attention, not to give immunity to drug traffickers,’ Jones said. “ My colleagues and I want to help people.”

SB 1701 now goes before the House for further consideration.

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