SEEK HELP Act

This bill aims to save lives in overdose emergencies by making it safer to call for help. If someone seeks medical help for an overdose—either for themselves or another person—they can’t be prosecuted for simple drug possession if that’s only discovered because they asked for help. It also protects people who give an overdose reversal drug in good faith from being sued, with exceptions for serious or reckless misconduct. The bill does not protect other crimes, does not stop police from seizing evidence, and doesn’t block arrests when there’s an outstanding warrant or an active search.

The bill funds awareness and training so more people know these protections. It directs a national campaign, allows federal justice grants to train police, and lets states use health block grants for public outreach, training for responders and the public, and sharing data on overdose calls. A federal study will review how well these efforts work within two years, including data on overdose deaths and use of naloxone.

Key points

• Who is affected: People who witness or experience an overdose; people who give reversal drugs; law enforcement; state and local agencies.
• What changes: Legal protection from simple possession charges when seeking help; civil protection for giving an overdose reversal drug in good faith; public awareness and training; data sharing; a federal effectiveness report.
• Limits: No protection for other crimes or serious misconduct; does not stop searches, seizures, or arrests when there’s a warrant.
• When: A federal report on results is due within two years of enactment.