2018 -- S 2896

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LC005711

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2018

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS - THE GOOD SAMARITAN OVERDOSE

PREVENTION ACT OF 2016

     Introduced By: Senators McCaffrey, Miller, DiPalma, and Goldin

     Date Introduced: May 16, 2018

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 21-28.9 of the General Laws entitled "The Good Samaritan

Overdose Prevention Act of 2016" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     21-28.9-3.1. Narcotic testing product.

     (a) Any person may provide, administer, or utilize a narcotic testing product to assist

another person in determining whether a narcotic or substance contains chemicals, toxic

substances, or hazardous compounds. Narcotic testing products shall include, but not be limited

to, fentanyl test strips.

     (b) A person who provides, administers, or utilizes a narcotic testing product to assist

another person shall not be subject to civil liability or criminal prosecution as a result of

providing, administering, or utilizing the narcotic testing product to assist another person.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC005711

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS - THE GOOD SAMARITAN OVERDOSE

PREVENTION ACT OF 2016

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     This act would allow distribution and utilization of narcotic testing products to assist

persons in determining whether drugs contain toxic substances. Narcotic testing products include,

but are not limited to, fentanyl testing strips. This act would also provide persons distributing

testing products with protection from civil liability or criminal prosecution.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC005711

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