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

26 LC 65 0020 Senate Bill 450 By: Senators Wicks of the 34th, Dixon of the 45th, Halpern of t he 39th, Merritt of the 9th and Jackson of the 41st A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To amend Article 1 of Chapter 5 of Title 20 of the Official Cod e of Georgia Annotated,1 relating to state public library activities, so as to authorize the possession of opioid2 antagonists in public libraries; to define a term; to authorize public libraries to maintain a3 supply of opioid antagonists; to authorize public library perso nnel to administer opioid4 antagonists and carry opioid antagonists on their person; to provide for immunity; to provide5 for activation of the emergency medical services system and not ification of emergency6 contacts; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.7 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:8 SECTION 1.9 Article 1 of Chapter 5 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state10 public library activities, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:11 "20-5-6.12 (a) As used in this Code section, the term 'opioid antagonist' means a drug that binds to13 opioid receptors and blocks or inhibits the effect of opioids a cting on those receptors,14 including, but not limited to, naloxone, hydrochloride, or any other similarly acting drug15 S. B. 450 - 1 - 26 LC 65 0020 that is approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of an opioid16 related overdose.17 (b) No visitor or public library employee shall be prohibited from possessing an opioid18 antagonist at a public library or on public library property.19 (c) All public libraries shall acquire and maintain a supply o f opioid antagonists in any20 secure location where an individual may have an opioid overdose; provided, however, that,21 if there occurs a shortage of opioid antagonists, the public libraries shall make a reasonable22 effort to maintain a supply of opioid antagonists. Any such supply shall be maintained in23 accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.24 (d) Any public library personnel may administer an opioid antagonist to any person who25 the public library personnel believes in good faith to be experiencing an opioid overdose:26 (1) While at a public library or on public library property; or27 (2) While under the supervision of public library personnel.28 (e) Public library personnel shall be authorized to carry an opioid antagonist on his or her29 person while at a public library or on public library property.30 (f) Any public library personnel who in good faith administers or chooses not to administer31 an opioid antagonist pursuant to this Code section shall be immune from civil liability or32 professional discipline for any act or omission to act related to the administration of an33 opioid antagonist, except that such immunity shall not apply to an act of willful or wanton34 misconduct.35 (g) Upon the administration of any opioid antagonist pursuant to this Code section, the36 public library shall immediately activate the emergency medical services system and notify37 the visitor's parent, guardian, or emergency contact or notify such other individual's38 emergency contact, if known."39 SECTION 2.40 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.41 S. B. 450 - 2 -