• 02
  • February
    2012

The Indiana Senate has unanimously passed Bill 274, granting immunity to minors who have been drinking but who call 911 for a friend in trouble. The bill arose out of concern for college students who may need medical attention due to binge drinking, but never receive the necessary care because other minors are too scared to contact emergency authorities. Sen. Randy Head, R-Logansport, worked with student government officials from universities throughout the state to come up with the idea for the bill.

Under the bill, a minor calling 911 is granted immunity from the charges of minor consumption of alcohol and public intoxication as long as the caller cooperates with police and stays with the person needing medical attention. The bill does not grant immunity for drunk driving or relieve anyone from liability from auto accidents.

Sen. Head feels the bill is necessary to ensure the safety of college kids, who do not always make the best choices when it comes to alcohol, but he notes the narrowness of the immunity. "If they're under the influence of a controlled substance or they're driving drunk they could be prosecuted for those things. This is a very limited bill and it's intended to promote a good and sound public policy."

The bill now will move to the state House of Representatives for a vote.

Doehrman Chamberlain - Indianapolis injury lawyers