Brown signs 911 Good Samaritan law | News

SACRAMENTO, CA - Gov. Brown signed legislation Monday that provides limited immunity for low-level drug violations when a witness to a drug overdose calls 911 for help.

According to the office of Assem. Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco, the author of AB 472,  many studies show the number one reason that people hesitate or fail to call 911 in an overdose situation is fear of arrest for drug possession.

The "911 Good Samaritan" bill gives limited protections from charges and prosecution for low-level drug law violations, including possession of small amounts of drugs.

The law does not apply to those who sell illegal drugs.

AB 472 takes effect Jan. 1, 2013.