Yavapai News

The Governor has signed HB 2168 into law, legislation which was sponsored this session by State Representative Quang Nguyen to extend protection from prosecution for Arizonans if they seek or provide good-faith medical help for a drug overdose.

“This is an example of good policy getting passed even with divided government,” said Representative Nguyen. “Prosecuting people who seek or provide lifesaving assistance in drug overdose cases can have a chilling effect and delay or even prevent timely help during a medical emergency. I appreciate the strong support of fellow legislators on both sides of the aisle to extend this important protection for Arizonans. It will undoubtedly help save lives.”

In 2018, the Legislature enacted a series of statutory and session law changes related to the prescribing, administering, dispensing and use of opioid drugs, including the provision of iimmunity from criminal prosecution for possession of a controlled substance or illicit drug to any Good Samaritan seeking medical assistance, in good faith, for themselves or another individual experiencing a drug-related overdose. By law, the Good Samaritan protections were to automatically repeal on July 1, 2023.

Representative Nguyen’s bill extends the repeal date until June 30, 2028. Because the bill passed with an emergency clause, it was effective immediately when signed by the Governor.

Nguyen was first elected Arizona House of Representatives to represent District 1 in Nov. 2020. He and Judy Burges defeated Democrat Judy Stahl. He won re-election in the Nov. 2022 election with 40.7% of the vote, joining fellow Republican Selina Bliss in defeating Democrats Cathy Ransom and Neil Sinclair. 

A native of South Vietnam, came to the U.S. at age after the fall of Saigon. He graduated from Long Beach State University with a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts, and he has worked for the Northrop Corporation and as the founder of Caddis Advertising.

District 1 includes most of Yavapai County and a portion of Maricopa County.