LANSING - Yesterday Sen. Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor) introduced a bill that would amend the Michigan Liquor Control Code to help prevent unnecessary deaths due to alcohol intoxication. Senate Bill 408 would protect minors who have consumed alcohol from facing misdemeanor charges if they seek emergency services for themselves or an intoxicated friend in need of medical treatment. This bill would make no changes to laws prohibiting driving while impaired or intoxicated and would not alter penalties for driving while drunk.

“No parent should lose a child over something that easily could have been prevented, and I hope my bill will reduce the number of lives lost to alcohol-related emergencies by letting kids know that seeking help for themselves or a friend in an emergency will not invite a minor in possession charge,” said Sen. Brater. “The purpose of this bill is not to give young people a free pass to break the law, but to encourage them to call for help if someone’s life is at risk.”

Many colleges and universities have “Good Samaritan” or “Medical Amnesty” policies in place for students who seek medical attention for themselves or a friend during a drug-or-alcohol-related emergency. New Mexico has a policy that protects citizens from drug charges if they call for help during an overdose situation. The goal of these policies, as with Sen. Brater’s bill, is to prevent loss of life and make health and safety a higher priority than punishment.

SB 408 was referred today to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further consideration.

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