What does Preamble of HR 4607 do?

This bill aims to provide protections from prosecution for drug possession. The protections apply to individuals seeking medical assistance related to an overdose. The bill's purpose is to safeguard those witnessing or experiencing an overdose.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 4607 do?

This bill is formally titled the Samaritan Efforts to Ensure Key Health Emergency and Life-saving Protections Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of HR 4607 do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “Controlled substance” is defined by reference to section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act. “Emergency response providers” is defined by reference to section 2 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002. “Opioid overdose reversal drug” refers to a drug approved under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, indicated for reversing opioid overdose effects and affecting interstate commerce. “Secretary” is defined as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. “Seek medical assistance” includes reporting an overdose or medical emergency to various authorities or assisting someone making such a report.

What does GOOD SAMARITAN PROTECTIONS FOR DRUG OVERDOSE RESPONSES. of HR 4607 do?

This section establishes civil liability protections for individuals administering opioid overdose reversal drugs in good faith. These protections do not apply in cases of willful misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or conscious indifference to the victim's safety. The section supersedes state law only if the state lacks immunity provisions for administering opioid overdose reversal drugs. It provides criminal liability protections for individuals seeking medical assistance for themselves or others experiencing a drug overdose, preventing prosecution or asset forfeiture based solely on the possession of a controlled substance. Evidence or contraband seizures and arrests are not limited by this section if there is an outstanding warrant or the individual does not qualify for protections. The Secretary is directed to conduct a public awareness campaign regarding these liability protections. The bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act to allow the use of JAG funds for training law enforcement officers on these legal protections.

What does USE OF BLOCK GRANT FUNDING FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS AND of HR 4607 do?

States receiving grants under section 1921 of the Public Health Service Act may use specified funds to conduct public awareness campaigns about the state's overdose Good Samaritan law. These funds can also be used to train criminal justice professionals, healthcare providers, emergency medical service providers, and the general public on applicable overdose Good Samaritan laws. States are encouraged to share data with the Secretary regarding the impact of these laws, including data on calls for medical assistance related to drug overdoses. The term 'overdose Good Samaritan law' is defined as a statute providing protection from liability for seeking medical assistance or administering opioid reversal drugs during an overdose.

What does GAO REPORT TO STUDY EFFECTIVENESS AND IMPLEMENTATION. of HR 4607 do?

This section mandates a report by the Comptroller General of the United States to the Senate and House Judiciary Committees. The report will evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of Good Samaritan laws for drug overdose. The assessment includes examining state and local implementation, encouraging overdose reporting, and providing timely medical assistance. The report will estimate the number of individuals impacted by these laws and analyze changes in overdose-related fatalities, emergency department visits, and naloxone use. It will also evaluate the effectiveness of grant funding for awareness campaigns related to Good Samaritan laws. The report will identify barriers and challenges encountered during implementation and highlight best practices. Recommendations will be provided for improving implementation, impact, and optimizing grant funding. A comparative analysis of different state and local approaches to these laws will be included.

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SEEK HELP Act — HR. 4607

Last updated: 7/22/2025 · Introduced: 7/22/2025

Author: Joe Neguse (D-CO)

TL;DR (AI)

The SEEK HELP Act provides legal protections from prosecution and civil liability for individuals seeking or assisting with medical assistance during a drug overdose, including administering opioid overdose reversal drugs, as long as there is no willful misconduct or gross negligence.
States receiving Public Health Service Act grants can use funds to raise public awareness about overdose Good Samaritan laws and train relevant professionals.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) will conduct a study to evaluate the effectiveness of Good Samaritan laws for drug overdose, including their impact on overdose fatalities and emergency department visits, and provide recommendations for improvement.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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