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House votes to extend legal protection for overdose calls

Posted at 7:25 PM, May 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-26 19:26:20-04

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Anyone in Michigan could report drug overdoses without fear of legal consequences under legislation approved by the House.

The House passed two bills Thursday that would expand a law exempting people from prosecution if they report an overdose from an illegal substance. The bills now go to the Senate.

The protections would extend to people of any age for any controlled substance. A 2015 law protects people under 21 from certain drug charges.

It was motivated by Mason Mizwicki’s death. He overdosed on prescription drugs at a New Year’s Eve party while surrounded by friends who didn’t dial 911 because they feared prosecution.

Republican Rep. Al Pscholka says Mizwicki’s death isn’t his legacy “but the lives that are being saved.”