Opioid Epidemic
Carol has been a leader in addressing the epidemic that results in the death of over 400 Utahns a year from opioid-based painkillers and heroin. In 2014 she passed the “Good Samaritan Law,” to encourage friends to call for help without fear of being arrested for use or possession (HB 11) and the “Naloxone Rescue” bill (HB 119) which gives friends and families access to the life-saving drug Naloxone which can reverse an overdose. In 2016 she passed HB 238 to expand Naloxone access to police, EMT’s, and to addiction and recovery centers. Not only have these laws saved hundreds of lives, but they have also helped get individuals into a program where addiction is treated as a chronic, recurring brain disease.
Bills Carol has passed in this policy area:
HB 362, “Overdose Reporting Amendments” 2020
HB 238, “Opiate Overdose Response Act” 2016
HCR 4, “Concurrent Resolution Declaring Drug Overdose Deaths to Be a Public Health Emergency” 2016
