Published by the Associated Press

September 30, 2014

Gov. Tom Corbett has signed a bill that's designed to reduce fatalities from heroin overdoses, partly by making an antidote more available to police and the public.

Corbett signed the legislation Tuesday during a ceremony at the University of Pittsburgh in Johnstown.

The bill also offers immunity from criminal prosecution to those who help overdose victims.

Corbett says that as a prosecutor he watched heroin and similar drugs ruin people's lives. He says the new law will save lives and ensure that people who help an overdose victim are not punished for doing so.

A legislative study found deadly drug overdoses soared in Pennsylvania between 1990 and 2011. Experts say that's largely due to the abuse of legal painkillers by users who switch to heroin as a cheaper alternative.

("Corbett signs bill to help lower fatal overdoses," Associated Press, 9/30/14)