Underage drinking proposal advanced

Senators gave first-round approval Feb. 17 to a bill intended to encourage assistance for underage drinkers in need of medical help.

LB439, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Adam Morfeld, would grant limited legal immunity to minors seeking help for themselves or someone else in need of immediate attention due to alcohol poisoning. The bill would apply only to minors who request assistance after such an emergency is apparent and who fully cooperate with medical assistance and law enforcement.

Morfeld said the bill would provide legal immunity only against a minor in possession (MIP) charge, and would not provide immunity from other crimes related to an incident, such as illegally procuring alcohol for a minor, sexual assault or hazing.

Young people may be reluctant to seek emergency assistance in a case of underage alcohol poisoning out of fear that an MIP charge will follow them and hinder their chances for future employment and advancement, he said.

“I believe this is good policy,” Morfeld said, “and if we can save one life, I believe this bill will be worth it.”

Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell spoke in favor of the bill, saying it is critical not to leave someone alone who has had too much to drink.

“So often young people feel they can’t stay with the person—nor take them to the hospital, nor call 911—because of the penalties they would incur,” she said. “It is a critical bill and it will save lives.”

Sen. Kate Sullivan of Cedar Rapids also supported the bill, but said lawmakers should consider extending the MIP immunity to more than just the individual who calls for help. Situations in which an underage person needs assistance for excessive drinking often involve groups of young people, she said.

“I think we need to keep in mind that what we’re after, most of all, is that the person who is in harm’s way is given the medical assistance they need,” she said.

The bill advanced to select file on a 40-0 vote.