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TX SB334

Bill

Status

Introduced

11/13/2024

Primary Sponsor

Sarah Eckhardt

Click for details

Origin

Senate

89th Legislature Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Expands Texas's "Good Samaritan" overdose protection law by removing restrictions that previously limited when defendants could use the defense for seeking emergency medical assistance during a suspected overdose

  • Eliminates the provision that barred the defense for individuals with prior drug convictions or deferred adjudication community supervision under controlled substance chapters

  • Removes the 18-month waiting period that previously prevented individuals from using the defense if they had requested emergency overdose assistance within the preceding 18 months

  • Removes the restriction that barred the defense for individuals who had successfully used this defense in a prior proceeding

  • Defense remains unavailable only if a peace officer was already arresting the person or executing a search warrant at the time of the medical assistance request, or if the person was committing a separate qualifying drug offense

  • Applies to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025

Legislative Description

Relating to the defense to prosecution for certain offenses involving possession of small amounts of controlled substances, marihuana, dangerous drugs, or abusable volatile chemicals, or possession of drug paraphernalia for defendants seeking assistance for a suspected overdose.

Health

Last Action

Referred to Criminal Justice

2/3/2025

Committee Referrals

Criminal Justice2/3/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available