A bill in the Michigan House of Representatives may give those who are drinking underage immunity from prosecution if they contact authorities for medical assistance.
Currently, under Michigan law, individuals under the age of 21 caught drinking or in possession of alcohol can face charges of up to $100 for a first time offense, in addition to possible substance abuse treatment. These consequences often discourage minors from contacting authorities during risky alcohol-related situations, and as a result, the issue has become the topic for new Michigan legislation.
Introduced on May 5, 2009, by House Judiciary Chairman Mark Meadows, House Bill 4876 states that minors will not be prosecuted for underage drinking if they or their friends seek medical assistance. The bill is currently supported by Michigan law enforcement, as well as the Student Association of Michigan. Proponents of the bill believe that it will help prevent, and hopefully eliminate, some 5,000 annual alcohol-related teenage deaths, as reported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2007.
State Rep Robert B. Jones of Michigan’s 60th House District fully supports the bill. “[I] support this measure as I believe that it has the potential of saving lives,” Jones said. “Further, this bill does not excuse or support underage drinking. Rather, it focuses on preventing the very real and prevalent problem of alcohol poisoning.”
Jones continues by mentioning that, “the health and safety of Michigan’s youth is one of my top priorities as a legislator and I strongly believe that these safeguards should be in place for their protection.”
Steven Booher, orientation coordinator at Western Michigan University, is also a major proponent of the bill. Reminiscing on past experiences as a Resident Hall director, Booher said that “[the legislation] will prevent dangerous and potentially life threatening situations, like those I dealt with, from reoccurring.”
Booher said that if the bill is passed students would be more likely to call 9-1-1, which could ultimately save lives.
Craig Wiley, a freshman at WMU, agrees with Booher, at least in part. “[House Bill 4876] is interesting because it lets you get away with something illegal,” he said. “It’s good because I feel better protected if I do decide to drink, but the reason I’d be in a harmful situation in the first place is because of my conscious decision to break the law.”
Junior Evan Mayo contends that while he may have been hesitant to contact authorities in the past, if he knew that neither he nor his friends would be prosecuted it would be much easier to call for medical assistance. “[The bill] doesn’t necessarily encourage minors to drink, but simply provides them with the reassurance that if things get out of hand they can confidently call for help,” Mayo said.
Mayo stressed that while the fear involved in contacting authorities would not be completely eliminated; however, the legislation could help hesitant individuals make the right choice rather than risk somebody’s life.
The bill passed through the House Judiciary Committee with a unanimous 13-0 vote on Oct. 14, and more recently passed the Full house on Oct. 26 with 98 in support, including Jones, and seven against. The bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee where supporters predict an easy approval.
