FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2005
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Senator John Rafferty Introduces Legislation to Encourage Young People to Save a Life 

(Harrisburg, PA)  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. 

CONTACT: MARK MEYER – (717) 787-1398