New Fine law protects state workers from opioid overdose

SPRINGFIELD - To protect state employees from unexpected opioid overdoses in the workplace, a new law championed by State Senator Laura Fine aims to provide protection through the availability of lifesaving resources.

"The opioid crisis can impact any community, and we need to ensure no one is left without necessary resources to save a life," said Fine (D-Glenview). "This law supports our state's workforce by expanding access to opioid antagonists to trained workers."

This law allows opioid antagonists to be made available at state agencies once employees are trained on how to properly administer the medication. The law also protects employees from civil liability should they administer the overdose reversal medication.

"Over the past five years, there has been a troubling increase in opioid overdoses in the workplace," said Fine. "It is important we ensure our state employees work in a safe environment that is prepared to respond to any health risk that impacts staff."

House Bill 5028 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect July 1, 2025.