OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill that requires first responders to notify law enforcement when treating a drug overdose has been signed into law by the governor.

Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, is the author of House Bill 2941. The bill requires first responders to notify law enforcement as soon as practicable after attending to the medical needs of the person they are treating when a drug overdose is suspected. Legal immunity will be granted to those who make the notification in good faith.

"The hope is that by bringing first responders, health care workers and law enforcement together we can save lives, better educate our population, design prevention strategies and target resources to communities that need them most," Bashore said.

The measure also establishes that in cases of fatal overdoses involving fentanyl, that will be the presumed cause of death.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports fentanyl was involved in 86% of opioid-related overdose deaths in 2024, compared to approximately 10-20% annually prior to 2020. 

"Fentanyl is a growing problem in our state and in the nation," Bashore said. "Having better data on the spread of fentanyl in our state will help us better track where help is needed most."

The new law becomes effective Nov. 1.