Kansas adopts 'Good Samaritan' law for drug crimes

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Governor Kelly held a ceremonial signing of the Good Samaritan law passed this year to protect Kansans from prosecution if they call 911 for an overdose.

Inside the Capitol, a large Vietnam Wall-inspired memorial recognizes over 6,000 names of Americans who have died from Fentanyl. Advocates like Amber Saale-Burger, who lost four family members to fentanyl, say laws like this one will save people from adding their name to the wall.

In Kansas, multiple families talked about their loved ones who overdosed by themselves. Later it was discovered that they were abandoned by their friends, who were also under the influence or had drug paraphernalia, in fear of being arrested for drug crimes.

"They don't have to be scared as long as they're cooperating and acting in good faith, they can call 911 and they're going to be granted immunity," Saale-Burger said. "You always think 'Not me, not my kid, I've educated my kid.' Well, it could be you, it could be your kid."

Throughout the legislative session, families testified about the heartbreak of knowing their child could have been saved. If only their friends did the right thing.

"If it hasn't affected you, I can see how you can kind of think 'this is a useless law, these people don't want saving, they don't want help, but that's not the case at all," Saale-Burger said. "We have to love people where they're at and we have to help them and give them a chance to stay alive so that they can realize how loved they are."

Before this law was signed into law, Kansas was just one of two states without a Good Samaritan law. This prompted lawmakers to unanimously pass a bill they believe will save lives.