Crimes and offenses; failure to render aid, established; criminal penalty provided

SB 218 establishes a new Class C felony offense for failing to seek medical help when another person overdoses or suffers a severe reaction during the illegal use of controlled substances. Specifically, it applies when someone knowingly does not call for assistance while using drugs with another person who then dies from the overdose or reaction. The law requires that both individuals be engaged in unlawful drug use at the time, and the failure to seek help must directly lead to the death. This bill, pending in Alabama's Senate Judiciary Committee, would take effect on October 1, 2025.