Bill would grant minors immunity for helping intoxicated friend

[The Straight Story]

Bill would grant minors immunity for helping intoxicated friend

The Pennsylvania State Senate has unanimously passed legislation Monday afternoon sponsored by Senator John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) that would provide immunity from prosecution for minors if they call 911 to help an intoxicated friend in an emergency situation.

Senate Bill 448 would grant immunity to the first person to call 911 to report that another person needs medical attention when underage drinking is involved. The caller must provide their name to the 911 operator and must remain with the person until paramedics arrive.

Rafferty, who has been an ardent supporter and author of tougher laws to prevent underage drinking, said his legislation is intended to protect public safety and prevent needless tragedies.

"Underage drinking is a serious matter, and we don't want to give minors a free pass. But if kids are in trouble and need medical attention, we don't want to discourage those who can help them from seeking assistance," Rafferty said. "This legislation has support from several groups, including the Pennsylvania DUI Association and state District Attorneys Association because it provides a safe way to defuse an unsafe situation."



http://www.whptv.com/news/local/story/Bill-would-grant-minors-immunity-for-helping/uJmhjbnwz0idAcwxu0uNng.cspx

[barbtries]

1. how about for OD'ing drug users?

35 years ago, i knew a 23-year-old who might be alive today if his companions had not been afraid of arrest. will never know for sure.

[Pacifist Patriot]

3. Fair point

[Indydem]

6. Being high is not against the law. Minor intox is. n/t

[Pacifist Patriot]

8. I'm guessing there were probably possession issues in play here.

[Pacifist Patriot]

2. Let me get this straight.

There's an R after that name and he's making some sense? I think the earth's polarity just reversed.

[The Straight Story]

4. It's the end, camping was right!

:rofl:

[MedicalAdmin]

7. Not all repubs are nuts. Just the vast majority.

In fact I know a few very sane republicans. But they are in a vast minority withing the GOP and don't feel represented by them. I think one of the reasons that they identify with the GOP is because the GOP uses superficial language that, on the surface, seems to indicate that the GOP supports what these guys do. In truth the GOP doesn't but if you don't look behind the curtain ... well, you get the idea.

[ieoeja]

5. Should probably also extend that to the victim.

Friends may also not call for fear of getting their friend arrested.