Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Legislation Bill

Members' bills are bills introduced by members who are not Ministers. Every second Wednesday the House gives precedence to local, private, and members' bills. On these days members' bills are debated.

At least eight members' bills awaiting first reading must be on the Order Paper on each members' day. When a space on the Order Paper becomes available, a ballot is held to decide which members' bill(s) will be introduced. Members enter bills in the ballot by lodging notices of proposal with the House Office and providing a copy of the proposed bill. This can be done on any working day. The proposed bill is then posted on the website and members can publicly indicate their support for the bill prior to the ballot.

If 61 or more non-executive members indicate support for a member’s bill, the bill will be introduced without needing to be selected through the ballot.

The bill is intended to ensure that people who call for help when they are with someone who is experiencing a drug overdose or adverse reaction are protected from being charged for low-level drug offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.