A new bill filed by Sen. Lazzara seeks to provide limited legal immunity to individuals who seek or assist in medical aid during overdoses, aiming to encourage timely emergency response, according to the North Carolina State Senate.
The bill, filed as SB 346 on March 19 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Good Samaritan Law/Immunity.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill aims to provide limited immunity for individuals seeking medical assistance during drug- and alcohol-related overdoses, effective Oct. 1, 2025. It establishes that anyone who in good faith seeks or assists in seeking help for an overdose will not be arrested, charged, or prosecuted for specified offenses if certain conditions are met, such as being the first to call 911 and not being subject to or executing a legal warrant. This immunity extends to the overdose victim as well. These protections apply to minor alcohol possession charges and individuals on probation or parole. Additionally, law enforcement officers acting in good faith who arrest or charge someone later found to be immune are protected from civil liability. The bill does not prevent evidence collection for other crimes or limit normal legal processes.
Of the three sponsors of this bill, Benton G. Sawrey proposed the most bills (22) during the 2025 regular session.
Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.
You can read more about the bills and other measures here.
Lazzara, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2021 to represent the state’s 6th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Harry Brown.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Dana Jones | SB 346 | 03/19/2025 | Good Samaritan Law/Immunity. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Brad Overcash, and Danny Earl Britt, Jr. | SB 321 | 03/18/2025 | Accounting Workforce Development Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Dana Jones | SB 328 | 03/18/2025 | Underground Safety Revisions. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Amy S. Galey, and Warren Daniel | SB 309 | 03/17/2025 | Changes to Estates and Trusts Statutes. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Brent Jackson, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 295 | 03/13/2025 | Clarify Motor Vehicle Dealer Laws. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Danny Earl Britt, Jr., and Todd Johnson | SB 265 | 03/11/2025 | Protecting Our Community Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Todd Johnson, and Warren Daniel | SB 248 | 03/06/2025 | Birth Certificates for Persons Adopted. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Bob Brinson, and Buck Newton | SB 245 | 03/05/2025 | The Rakim Shackleford Embalming Fluid Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Lisa S. Barnes, and Todd Johnson | SB 226 | 03/03/2025 | Align Benefits for Firefighters with Cancer. |
| Michael A. Lazzara and Brent Jackson | SB 183 | 02/26/2025 | Funds for VSO in Jones County. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 188 | 02/26/2025 | Financial Support to NC4ME. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 172 | 02/25/2025 | STIP Grant Anticipation Notes. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Todd Johnson | SB 128 | 02/21/2025 | Heroes Homestead Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Vickie Sawyer, and Warren Daniel | SB 118 | 02/18/2025 | Reduce Veteran CCW Fee/Expand CCW Notice. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 106 | 02/17/2025 | Funds/Onslow Water and Sewer Authority. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Michael V. Lee | SB 109 | 02/17/2025 | Veterans Appreciation Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Eddie D. Settle, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 113 | 02/17/2025 | Removal of Squatters from Private Property. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Eddie D. Settle, and Timothy D. Moffitt | SB 71 | 02/11/2025 | Expedited Removal of Unauthorized Persons. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 73 | 02/11/2025 | Richlands Occupancy Tax Authorization. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Bill Rabon, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 63 | 02/06/2025 | Board of Motor Vehicles/Authority Study. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 29 | 01/30/2025 | Onslow – Delegate Rezoning Authority. |
