SB450: SB450 State Public Library Activities; the possession of opioid antagonists in public libraries; authorize

Right now Georgia law does not specifically address whether public libraries can keep or use opioid antagonists, drugs like naloxone that reverse an opioid overdose. This bill adds a new section to the state law governing public libraries (O.C.G.A. § 20-5-6) to spell out what libraries and their staff can do. 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 nationwide shortage, in which case they must make a reasonable effort. Library personnel may carry the drug on their person and give it to anyone they believe in good faith is overdosing, whether at the library or under staff supervision elsewhere. Staff who act or decline to act in good faith are protected from civil lawsuits and professional discipline, except for willful or wanton misconduct. After giving the drug, the library must call emergency medical services and notify the person's emergency contact.

• Adds a new Code section (O.C.G.A. § 20-5-6) letting any visitor or library employee possess an opioid antagonist like naloxone at a public library.
• Requires public libraries to acquire and keep a supply of opioid antagonists in a secure spot, with a reasonable-effort exception during drug shortages.
• Allows library personnel to carry opioid antagonists on their person and administer them to anyone they believe in good faith is overdosing.
• Grants library staff immunity from civil lawsuits and professional discipline for administering or not administering the drug, unless their conduct is willful or wanton misconduct.
• Requires the library to activate emergency medical services and notify the overdosing person's emergency contact after the drug is given.

Public library visitors and employees across Georgia, library personnel who would be authorized and expected to carry and administer opioid antagonists, and anyone who experiences or witnesses an opioid overdose on library property or while under library staff supervision.

If someone overdoses on opioids at a Georgia public library, trained staff could respond immediately with a reversal drug instead of waiting solely on outside help, while also being protected from lawsuits for acting or not acting in good faith. Libraries would need to budget for and maintain a drug supply.

• Subsection (a) defines 'opioid antagonist' broadly to include naloxone, hydrochloride, or any FDA-approved drug for treating opioid overdose.
• Subsection (b) bars public libraries from prohibiting visitors or employees from possessing an opioid antagonist on library property.
• Subsection (c) requires libraries to maintain a supply of the drug in a secure location, following manufacturer instructions, with a shortage exception.
• Subsection (d) allows library personnel to administer the drug to anyone they believe in good faith is overdosing, at the library or under their supervision.
• Subsection (e) lets library personnel carry an opioid antagonist on their person while at the library or on library property.
• Subsection (f) gives library personnel immunity from civil liability and professional discipline for good-faith action or inaction, excluding willful or wanton misconduct.
• Subsection (g) requires the library to activate emergency medical services and notify the person's emergency contact after the drug is administered.
• 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 response
• public libraries
• naloxone
• public health policy