H 1743 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to police use of epinephrine autoinjectors

This bill amends Massachusetts law to protect police officers and individuals from criminal charges related to possessing controlled substances when that possession occurs during an emergency response to anaphylaxis. It specifically allows police officers to receive, carry, and administer epinephrine autoinjectors to people appearing to be having an allergic reaction without fear of legal repercussions for possession. The legislation also provides civil liability protection for officers acting in good faith while seeking or providing this medical assistance, unless their actions are deemed willful, wanton, or reckless. Additionally, the act of seeking help for an anaphylactic reaction can be considered a mitigating factor in any related criminal prosecution.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Jun 5, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of John Rogers
John Rogers
DDemocratic
MA
12th Norfolk