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Bill backing amnesty in drug overdoses advances
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ATLANTA (AP) — The Georgia House has approved a bill granting amnesty in some cases to those who seek medical attention in the event of a drug overdose.

Lawmakers passed the bill 144-20 on Tuesday, and it now heads to the Georgia Senate for consideration.

Republican Rep. Sharon Cooper of Marietta says she sponsored the "Georgia 911 Medical Amnesty Law" after hearing from parents of several young adults that had died of drug overdoses. At least 14 other states have adopted similar laws, which grant amnesty from drug possession charges when amounts are small.

Several parents attended Tuesday's vote. Holly Springs Police Lt. Tanya Smith says her 20-year-old daughter, Taylor, died last year because people were too afraid to call 911. She says the bill is "taking that fear out of it."