Jon Bon Jovi has applauded New Jersey Governor Chris Christie for signing into law a new bill to protect drug users from prosecution, months after the rock star's daughter suffered an overdose at college.

Stephanie Rose Bongiovi was hospitalised in November (12) after she was found unresponsive in her dorm room at Hamilton College in New York.

She was later arrested after a search of her room turned up a small quantity of heroin and marijuana, but the drug possession charges were subsequently dropped against the 19 year old and her pal, who called the paramedics, thanks to the Good Samaritan 911 law, which was implemented in the Big Apple to encourage victims to seek medical help without the threat of legal repercussions.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who has called for mandatory treatment for all non-violent drug offenders, has since adopted the same law for the rocker's home state and Bon Jovi was on hand to show his support on Thursday (02May13) as the new legislation was formally approved.

Neither Bon Jovi nor Christie referenced Stephanie's incident during the legislation signing, but the singer told the Associated Press, "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."

The Livin' On A Prayer hitmaker later joined Christie on a visit to a local drug rehabilitation centre, where the politician and the star met with young patients and told them that they should be proud of their recovery efforts.