Senators gave first-round approval Feb. 17 to a bill intended to encourage assistance for underage drinkers in need of medical help.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe this is good policy,\u201d Morfeld said, \u201cand if we can save one life, I believe this bill will be worth it.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo often young people feel they can\u2019t stay with the person\u2014nor take them to the hospital, nor call 911\u2014because of the penalties they would incur,\u201d she said. \u201cIt is a critical bill and it will save lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we need to keep in mind that what we\u2019re after, most of all, is that the person who is in harm\u2019s way is given the medical assistance they need,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The bill advanced to select file on a 40-0 vote.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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