House Judiciary endorses UI students’ legislation on alcohol, medical emergencies

The House Judiciary Committee has unanimously endorsed legislation proposed by the Associated Students of the University of Idaho to provide limited immunity from prosecution for minor-in-possession or minor consuming alcohol when the minor involved is seeking emergency medical attention. “I think we need to continue to try to encourage people to avoid alcohol use,” said Rep. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise. “But if and when there’s a medical emergency, let’s make sure we call for help.”

Rep. Carolyn Nilsson Troy, R-Genesee, said, “This is about the safety of our kids. … We’ve lost children in this state because of this and we don’t want to lose more.”

Nate Fisher Jr., UI student lobbyist and former study body president, said 31 states already have passed similar legislation, including most of the states surrounding Idaho.

Rep. Patrick McDonald, R-Boise, a former police officer, said, “What I hope this doesn’t do is increase the drinking on college campuses because this law is in effect. I don’t want to see that.” He added, “I can’t for the life of me understand why a person would not call for help when they know that there’s a life in danger. That’s mind-boggling to me.”

Fisher said studies in states that have enacted this type of law have found campus drinking and binge drinking on a downward trend, so it doesn’t appear that the laws caused more drinking.

The immunity would only apply to a person under 21 who is seeking medical assistance for themself or others, remains on the scene until emergency medical assistance or law enforcement officers arrive, and cooperates with authorities at the scene. It states that that cooperation couldn’t be used to prosecute the young person for possessing or consuming alcohol while underage, but the immunity doesn’t extend to any other offenses.

HB 521 now moves to the full House.