SB 450: State Public Library Activities; the possession of opioid antagonists in public libraries; authorize

Currently, Georgia law does not specifically address whether public libraries can keep or use opioid antagonists, drugs like naloxone that reverse opioid overdoses. This bill adds a new section to Georgia's public library law (O.C.G.A. Title 20, Chapter 5) to fill that gap. The bill says no visitor or library employee can be barred from possessing an opioid antagonist on library property. It requires public libraries to keep a supply of these drugs in a secure location, unless there is a shortage, in which case libraries must make a reasonable effort. Library staff may administer the drug to anyone they believe in good faith is overdosing, and may carry it on their person while at the library. Staff who administer or choose not to administer the drug are protected from civil lawsuits and professional discipline unless their conduct was willful or wanton misconduct. After giving the drug, the library must immediately call emergency medical services and notify the person's emergency contact.

• Adds a new Code section (O.C.G.A. § 20-5-6) letting anyone possess an opioid antagonist, such as naloxone, at a public library or on library property.
• Requires public libraries to keep a supply of opioid antagonists in a secure location, with a reasonable-effort exception during drug shortages.
• Authorizes library staff to give opioid antagonists to anyone they believe in good faith is overdosing on opioids, and to carry the drug on their person.
• Grants library staff immunity from civil lawsuits or professional discipline for administering or not administering the drug, except in cases of willful or wanton misconduct.
• Requires the library to immediately call emergency medical services and notify the person's emergency contact after the drug is given.

Public libraries and their staff across Georgia, who would be required to stock overdose reversal drugs and would be authorized (and legally protected) to administer them; library visitors, who could carry or receive the drug during an overdose; and emergency medical services, which libraries must contact after any use.

If someone overdoses on opioids inside a Georgia public library, staff could respond immediately with naloxone instead of waiting for paramedics, potentially saving a life. Libraries would take on a new responsibility to stock and manage these drugs, and staff would gain legal protection for acting in good faith during an emergency.

• Section 1 defines 'opioid antagonist' broadly to include naloxone, hydrochloride, or any similar FDA-approved overdose treatment drug.
• Section 1 bars libraries from prohibiting visitors or employees from possessing an opioid antagonist on library property.
• Section 1 requires libraries to acquire and maintain a supply of the drug in a secure location, following manufacturer instructions.
• Section 1 authorizes library personnel to administer the drug to anyone believed in good faith to be overdosing, whether at the library or under staff supervision elsewhere.
• Section 1 grants immunity from civil liability and professional discipline for good-faith action or inaction, excluding willful or wanton misconduct.
• Section 1 requires the library to activate emergency medical services and notify the overdosing person's emergency contact immediately after administering the drug.
• Section 2 repeals any conflicting laws.

1. 2026-02-03Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2. 2026-02-02Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)Primary sponsor
• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)

• opioid overdose
• public libraries
• naloxone
• public health
• liability immunity