Underage drinking amnesty bill sent to Michigan Senate

Local police are preparing for a law that would grant amnesty to underage drinkers brought to the hospital for overconsumption of alcohol.

The state House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the medical amnesty bill last week, and it now is on the Senate floor. Under the law, minors would be exempt from liquor violations if they turn themselves or a friend into the hospital.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department has issued minor-in-possession citations to minors being treated in the emergency room after consuming too much alcohol and underage individuals who brought them in or called 9-1-1, said Public Information Officer Dave Sabuda.

“As a police department, we will adjust to any legislation passed,” Sabuda said.

State Rep. Mark Meadows, D-East Lansing, is sponsoring the medical amnesty bill and has spoken out against the current policy present at law enforcement agencies statewide.

“It is a common sense issue,” the House Judiciary Committee chairman said. “What we would learn is that students would not call (9-1-1) because they were worried about getting a ticket.”

Only seven state House members voted against the bill, and Meadows said he hopes to see similar results in the Senate.

Decrease the likelihood

Sabuda said he does not know of any instances in the past where students were reluctant to call an ambulance because of an overly-intoxicated friend. However, he said he believes the bill makes sense if it means it would decrease the likelihood of it happening.

Central Michigan Community Hospital, 1221 South Dr., has occasionally seen instances of drunk minors brought to the emergency room in the past, said Darcie Van Dop, CMCH community relations specialist.

Van Dop said the hospital does not want to get into the legalities of the matter, and will work with whatever happens.

She said there is no specific data to suggest that minors have been less likely in the past to call for an ambulance if they or their friend is in need of medical attention. However, she believes this should never be the case, regardless of the law.

“They need medical treatment, and we need them to come in,” Van Dop said.

While the bill has enjoyed support from the college population across the state, not all students are supporting it.

Maple City senior Ben Tompkins said he has dealt with heavy fines and other penalties stemming from an Operating While Impaired offense in the past. He believes those who drink illegally should be held accountable as well.

“I don’t think (the bill) is a good idea,” he said. “I believe in consequences.”