Wisconsin residents affected by overdoses, incarceration and community supervision are campaigning to strengthen the state’s Good Samaritan law. They say people like them may hesitate to call 911 if another person is overdosing because they fear arrest, parole or probation consequences, or losing their jobs, housing or children. The coalition is circulating a petition and urging residents to contact legislators. It wants broader protections for people who summon emergency assistance—including those under community supervision—so that saving a life takes priority over punishment.
Why It Matters
The campaign brings the firsthand experiences of overdose survivors, families and formerly incarcerated people into the legislative process. Their participation helps lawmakers understand how existing rules operate during real emergencies—and why a policy intended to save lives may fall short in practice.