Bon Jovi Applauds New Jersey Drug Law

Jon Bon Jovi was in attendance as Governor Chris Christie signed a new drug law.

The good Samaritan bill was created to calm the nerves of those who are afraid seeking medical attention for overdose victims will result in prosecution. Bon Jovi is a huge supporter of the law, and hopes that other states follow suit.

“I hope that Governor Christie’s actions here will cause other states to stand up and to pay attention and also to follow in his footsteps,” Bon Jovi said of the new drug law.

This issue hits particularly close to home for the singer. His daughter Stephanie Bongiovi overdosed on heroin at Hamilton College in New York last year. Charges against the student and her friend were eventually dropped by prosecutors.

Bon Jovi said last year that he was surprised as any parents when he learned about his daughter’s overdose. He added that he had no idea that Stephanie was involved with drugs. The musician hopes that she will be able to get help and move on with her life.

“You surround them with best help and love and move on, and that’s where we’re at with it. Steph is a great kid. She was doing great. Then a sudden and steep decline. Hopefully, we caught it when we did and that’s the end of it. But who knew? I’ve got three more to come,” he explained.

Jon Bon Jovi and Governor Chris Christie attended the ceremony at a drug rehabilitation facility in northern Patterson on Thursday. The signing of the bill will make New Jersey the 12th state to have such a law on the books.

“This is a real triumph of public health policy and we thank Governor Christie and the Legislature for working so hard to come to an agreement,” New Jersey Drug Policy Alliance state director Roseanne Scotti said of the signing.

What do you think about Bon Jovi supporting the drug law? Do you believe overdose victims should be shielded from prosecution when seeking medical help?

[Image via lev radin / Shutterstock.com]