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Rafferty Introduces Legislation to Encourage
Young People to Save a Life
HARRISBURG -- State
Senator John C. Rafferty, Jr. introduced legislation today to provide minors
(under 21 years of age) immunity from criminal prosecution for the offense of
underage drinking if the minor seeks medical attention for another person who
has consumed too much alcohol.
Senate Bill 780 seeks to reduce the number of
alcohol-related deaths throughout the state by granting partial immunity to
individuals who seek medical attention for another person who has consumed too
much alcohol. Specifically, Senate Bill 780 would grant immunity to an
individual for the summary offense of underage drinking as it relates to the
consumption of alcoholic beverages by a person under the age of 21.
"The number of alcohol-related deaths from excess
consumption, especially on and around college campuses, has created a need for
another approach to saving lives. An estimated 474,000 children and teens in
Pennsylvania drink alcohol each year. Tragically, some of these young people
die as a result of drinking to excess," Rafferty said.
Under the provisions of this legislation, an
individual must call 911 to report the person in need of medical attention, must
provide their name to the dispatcher, and must remain with the person in need of
assistance.
"This bill will hopefully save lives by allowing
minors, who may be fearful of being charged with underage drinking, to call
police without retribution," Rafferty said.
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