Louisiana Scores:
State Summary
Louisiana has a Good Samaritan law that protects those who seek medical attention as well as those experiencing an overdose, but only in certain circumstances.
The law only provides immunity from prosecution for possession of controlled substances and paraphernalia. The state’s law could be improved by extending protections to all drug-related violations.
Details
Immunity from Charges
Louisiana’s law provides immunity for prosecution for possession of controlled substances and paraphernalia.1 However, individuals acting in good faith could still be liable for sale or transfer of a controlled substance, or trafficking of a controlled substance.
30/50 points
Immunity from Other Sanctions
Louisiana’s law also provides protection from charges related to the consumption of alcohol, violations of pretrial release or supervision, and civil asset forfeitures.2 This provision could be improved by extending immunity to other charges like restraining order violations as well.
20/25 points
Requirements
Louisiana’s law imposes no additional requirements on individuals to receive immunity from drug possession charges, they must simply be acting in good faith when seeking medical attention for the individual experiencing the overdose. However, individuals reporting an alcohol-related overdose are required to provide certain information to responding agencies to receive immunity.
10/15 points
Extension of Immunity
Immunity in Louisiana’s law extends to both the individual experiencing the overdose and the individual reporting the overdose, but does not explicitly protect other individuals in the immediate vicinity.
5/10 points
Sources
1. LA Rev Stat § 14:403.10
2. LA Rev Stat § 14:403.9