SENATE REPUBLICANS STAND IN LINE WITH GOVERNOR BY PUTTING POLITICS OVER SAVING LIVES

Fail to override veto to save lives in event of accidental drug overdoses

AUGUSTA – Today in a 21-14 vote, the Senate failed to override the governor’s veto of a bill to save lives, previously unanimously passed by the Senate.

“In essence, this is a Good Samaritan law,” said Senator Geoff Gratwick of Bangor, a practicing physician. “The unfortunate fact is that overdoses and drugs are a scourge on our state, but also a fact of life. The sooner you dial 911, the sooner you get help, the better off you are.”

The measure would have provided a process for prosecutors to exercise their discretion when considering possible prosecution of someone who witnesses a drug overdose, but stays with the victim until help arrives.

During the public hearing, Jayne Harper, a harm reduction educator for Kennebec County, testified that only 10 to 56 percent of individuals who witness an overdose call 911, with most doing so only after their attempts to revive the victims are unsuccessful.

“Eleven other states have Good Samaritan laws like this,” added Senator Gratwick. “This bill would have helped people do the right thing.”

According to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, in 2010 there were more overdose deaths than traffic fatalities in Maine.

The House overrode the veto of LD 1044, “An Act To Amend the Laws Governing Prosecution of Individuals Possessing a Controlled Substance under Certain Circumstances,” yesterday in a 97-47 vote.

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