New Illinois law grants immunity for those reporting a drug overdose

Just before Justin Tokar died of a drug overdose last January in unincorporated Will County, his panicked friend texted people questioning what to do, rather than call 911.

A new law signed by Gov. Pat Quinn Monday would allow people like him to call 911 and report an overdose without fear of facing criminal charges for drug possession.

“If this (law) would have been in place, it would have been a pretty simple decision,” said Tokar’s mother, Karen Hanneman of Naperville, who lobbied in favor of the legislation. “Now people can think, ‘I’m not going to be arrested and I can make this call to save his life.’”

New Illinois law grants immunity for those reporting a drug overdose