Friel, Kinkead bills to protect good Samaritans in drug, alcohol overdoses clear committee
When lives are on the line, law update would protect individuals giving care
Rep. Emily Kinkead April 28, 2026 | 9:50 AM
HARRISBURG, April 28 – The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee on Monday unanimously advanced two bills that would protect individuals cooperating with first responders in the event of a drug or alcohol overdose, announced state Reps. Paul Friel and Emily Kinkead, who sponsored the bills.
House Bills 1944 and 1945 would protect people, such as college students, from endangerment charges if they are administering aid to a person suffering an emergency overdose.
“Strengthening medical amnesty, particularly on college campuses, empowers students to prioritize safety over fear, fostering a community where looking out for one another is the norm, not a liability,” said Friel, D-Chester. “When students trust they won't face punishment for seeking help, they are far more likely to intervene in emergencies, saving lives.”
“Every second matters in an emergency. In these critical moments, no one should have to weigh saving a life against the risk of being charged with a crime,” said Kinkead, D-Allegheny. “These bills make it clear that if you render aid to a person experiencing a medical emergency as a result of consuming drugs or alcohol, you should be protected.
“Advancing this legislation is a step toward ensuring people, especially young people, are empowered to do the right thing without fear of life-altering consequences.”
The representatives heard during a March public hearing that this legislation would have helped Rowan Price, who attended Bloomsburg University as a freshman last year. After returning to campus from a student conference for aspiring educators, Price found a student in his dormitory bathroom suffering from alcohol poisoning. Price testified that he and several other classmates helped the incapacitated student by cleaning him up, rolling him on his side, and calling for help. After officers arrived, Price testified that one officer became agitated and told the students “everything they did was wrong.” Weeks later, Price was charged with recklessly endangering another person, a crime punishable by up to two years in prison.
“We teach our children to look out for others and help people in need. Rowan stepped up and potentially saved a life that night. He should be celebrated, but instead he faced unjust charges, and his life was turned upside down,” Friel said. “We have a responsibility to make sure this never happens again. People shouldn’t be deterred from stepping up and doing the right thing, they should be encouraged, especially on our college campuses.”