GAO report to study effectiveness and implementation

(a) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives a report on evaluating the implementation of Good Samaritan laws for drug overdose and the effectiveness of grant funding provided to States and localities for awareness campaigns related to those laws. (b) Contents The report required under subsection (a) shall— (1) assess the extent to which States and localities have implemented and enforced Good Samaritan laws for drug overdose; (2) evaluate the effectiveness of the laws described in paragraph (1) in encouraging the reporting of overdoses and the provision of timely medical assistance; (3) an estimate of the number of individuals impacted by the laws described in paragraph (1), including the number of individuals who have received legal protections or immunities under such laws; (4) analyze the impact of the laws described in paragraph (1), including— (A) an assessment of changes in overdose-related fatalities, emergency department visits, and the use of naloxone or other overdose reversal interventions; and (B) data on the number of calls received for overdoses before and after the implementation of such laws; (5) evaluate the effectiveness of grant funding provided to States and localities for the purpose of spreading awareness about the laws described in paragraph (1); (6) assess the reach and impact of educational campaigns, community outreach initiatives, and training programs aimed at informing the public, healthcare providers, law enforcement personnel, and other relevant stakeholders about the protections and benefits provided by the laws described in paragraph (1); (7) identify any barriers or challenges encountered during the implementation of the laws described in paragraph (1) and associated awareness campaigns, including— (A) examining the legal, logistical, resource-related, or cultural factors that may impede successful adoption and utilization of the laws; and (B) exploring any challenges faced by individuals seeking help or reporting overdoses due to potential legal repercussions; (8) highlight any best practices identified in States and localities that have effectively implemented the laws described in paragraph (1) and conducted successful awareness campaigns, including recommendations on best methods for assessing and evaluating the implementation and success for Good Samaritan laws; (9) provide recommendations for improving the implementation and impact of the laws described in paragraph (1) and optimizing the use of grant funding for education and outreach efforts; and (10) if multiple States or localities have implemented different variations of the laws described in paragraph (1), include a comparative analysis of their respective approaches identifying variations in outcomes, effectiveness, or challenges faced and providing insights for potential improvements or standardization of the laws. (c) Cooperation and access Federal agencies and relevant State and local authorities shall cooperate with the Comptroller General of the United States and provide access to necessary information and data to facilitate the completion of the report required under subsection (a).