MS HB313

Provides criminal immunity from alcohol-related offenses for persons who in good faith request emergency medical assistance for someone appearing to need help due to alcohol consumption, provided they supply their name, remain at the scene, and cooperate with emergency personnel.

Peace officers cannot take a person into custody solely for an alcohol offense if the officer reasonably believes the person meets the good faith assistance criteria and did not illegally provide alcohol to the individual in need.

Establishes the Mississippi Medical Emergency Good Samaritan Act, providing immunity from drug-related charges for persons seeking medical assistance for drug overdose victims or victims themselves seeking assistance, limited to specific possession amounts and paraphernalia violations.

Protects Good Samaritan Act beneficiaries from penalties related to protective orders, probation/parole violations, and property forfeiture based on drug violations, though prima facie contraband remains subject to seizure.

Effective July 1, 2017.