A new Illinois law aimed at combating the opioid crisis will take effect on July 1, allowing state agencies to make opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, available at workplaces and shielding employees who administer these life-saving drugs from civil liability.

Under House Bill 5028, state agencies may provide opioid antagonists at locations where their employees work, provided the staff receives proper training in the use and administration of these medications. Opioid antagonists are drugs that can rapidly reverse opioid overdoses.

The law defines “opioid antagonist” as outlined in the Substance Use Disorder Act, typically referring to medications like naloxone. Importantly, the bill amends the Good Samaritan Act to exempt state agency employees from civil liability when they administer opioid antagonists in good faith, except in cases of willful or wanton misconduct.

State officials say the measure is designed to empower public employees to act quickly in emergencies without fear of legal repercussions. By expanding access to opioid antagonists and ensuring employees are trained, lawmakers hope to save lives and encourage a proactive response to overdoses in government workplaces.

The law specifically excludes the judicial and legislative branches from its requirements, focusing on executive agencies and their employees.