For Deliberate Governor, a Rare Change in Direction

From a governor who rarely changes course after stating his views on a bill, Chris Christie’s decision to sign a measure granting immunity to those who aid drug overdose victims was nearly unprecedented.

It took dogged lobbying from the families of residents who died from overdoses, as well as urging from New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie, for the governor to embrace the “Good Samaritan” bill. The effort also received an assist from celebrity rocker Jon Bon Jovi, whose daughter survived an overdose.

The bill (S-2082) protects both overdose victims and those who are with them from arrest for drug possession. It also offers immunity to those who administer an opioid overdose antidote, naloxone. Christie had issued a conditional veto of an earlier version of the Good Samaritan law, in which he called for an 18-month study of the issue. He wrote in his veto message that “the proposal fails to consider the existing approaches to deterrence, public safety, prevention of violence, and the many social problems that accompany the rampant proliferation of drug distribution and use.”

As governor, once Christie makes up his mind about legislation, it’s very rare for him to cede ground. Most compromises have risen from cases in which the governor had previously expressed a willingness to reach deals that would keep his core principles intact.

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