Senate Advances Weaver Bill to Expand Public Access to Life-Saving Opioid Antagonists

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate advanced legislation Thursday designed to expand public access to life-saving opioid antagonists, such as Narcan, and empower individuals to act in emergency overdose situations.

Senate Bill 65, by Senator Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, authorizes any person to possess and acquire emergency opioid antagonists. Those possessing opioid antagonists may administer the medication to anyone believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.

“During my decades of service in the Bureau of Narcotics, I was made aware of countless instances of overdose where seconds meant the difference between life and death,” Weaver said. “In rural areas or in emergency situations where law enforcement cannot arrive in time, having this medicine readily available is critical. By putting life-saving opioid antagonists directly into the hands of the public and guaranteeing that no one has to hesitate out of fear of legal consequences, this bill will undoubtedly save lives.”

Under the provisions of SB 65, any person acting in good faith by storing, acquiring, or administering opioid antagonists in compliance with the provisions of this measure shall not be subject to criminal or civil liability for such actions.

The measure now moves to the House of Representatives, where Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, is carrying the bill.

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For more information, contact: communications@oksenate.gov.