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Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Legislation Bill

Member's Bill
Published date: 05 May 2026

Bills are proposals to make a new law or to change an existing one. Only Parliament can pass a bill. Each bill goes through several stages, giving MPs and the public the chance to have their say.

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.
person
MP in charge
Kahurangi Carter
groups
Committee
Health
confirmation_number Bill No.204-1
account_balance54Parliament
description

Read the bill

Link to NZ Legislation website

Submissions are now being accepted

4 days left

Closing date: 16 Jun 2026 NZ Time

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Progress of the Bill

  • 1
    First Reading
  • 2
    Second Reading
  • Committee of Whole House
  • 3
    Third Reading
  • Royal Assent
groups Health
28 Apr 2026 - Current
today

Report due on 28 Oct 2026

today

Submission due on 15 Jun 2026

info_outline
Select Committee

The select committee gathers information and prepares a report on the bill for the House, including recommending changes to the bill.

Resources

  • Member(s) in charge: Kahurangi Carter
    Type of Bill: Member's
    Parliament: 54
    Bill no: 204-1
    Introduction: 10 Sep 2025
    Referred to: Health
    Submissions due: 15 Jun 2026