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Lawmakers Mull Immunity For Overdose Calls

Proponents of the bill says would also granting civil and criminal immunity  to people who call 9-11 in suspected drug or alcohol-related emergencies -- and to the person who is the subject of the call -- will save lives. Jennifer Coffey, is a former GOP lawmakers and longtime EMT.

"I’ve had situations when I get there and people aren’t breathing.  I’ve had situation when I get there and people are long gone because nobody wanted to call for help because they are afraid."

No one testified against the bill but some committee members wondered if it would be exploited by drug dealers. The NH chiefs of police association says the proposal raises serious concerns. Ten states, including NY, Florida, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island have so-called 9-11 Good Samaritan laws on the books.

Josh has worked at NHPR since 2000.

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