Medical amnesty bill supported by local representative; heading to the House of Representatives

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Minors suffering from alcohol poisoning may experience less hassle in seeking medical attention in the future.

Legislation is making progress that would exempt intoxicated minors and their friends who help them get medical attention from receiving a minor-in-possession charge.

Rep. Kevin Cotter, R-Mount Pleasant, is a member of the judiciary policy committee and voted in favor of the legislation.

“It’s an effective bill in light of my district,” he said.

This medical amnesty legislation was passed in a judiciary policy committee and now stands of the floor of the Michigan House of Representatives.

A similar bill was passed through the House in 2010 but died in the Senate. Some thought the bill was an excuse for underage binge drinking.

But Cotter said minors seeking help when needed is a major problem.

“We want to encourage students to seek help when they need it … student safety is a primary concern,” he said.

Clinton Township senior Sam Randolph said she wondered why medical amnesty was not already in effect.

“It’s not like they came in there (the ER) with a beer in their hand,” Randolph said.

Randolph said she does not agree with the current minor-in-possession laws in place.

“The first priority should be to help the minor,” she said.

Cotter said he looks forward to this bill receiving a vote on the House floor.

“We have accounted for safety measures within the bill to protect those who are also underage to bring friends where they can receive help,” he said.

Marketing Manager at McLaren Central Michigan Hospital, Nicole Sanders, could not comment as to how the hospital’s policies would change.