Purdue, IU students lobby for alcohol amnesty law

Student leaders on three college campuses are urging Indiana lawmakers to enact a law that shields underage drinkers from disciplinary action if they report that someone is intoxicated and at serious health risk.

The legislation envisioned would be modeled on a "medical amnesty" policy that took effect in September at Purdue University. Under the PurdueCARES plan, students cannot face school discipline for illegally drinking alcohol if they seek medical attention while they or someone they help is drunk.

University officials said the policy is aimed at making sure those who are hurt while intoxicated or suffer from alcohol poisoning don't hesitate to get help.

Brad Highley, president of Purdue Student Government, said a statewide policy that would reduce or eliminate fines, arrests or other legal ramifications for underage drinkers who seek help for someone facing an alcohol-related emergency could help everyone under age 21.

"We want to remove disincentives or barriers for not just students, but young adults," Highley said. "This is particularly important for those on our campus, as well as other campuses and those not enrolled in higher education. It will remove some disincentives that will encourage them to seek medical attention during alcohol-related emergencies."

Purdue students are working with peers at Indiana University and University of Southern Indiana on the initiative, and student leaders have met with House Speaker Brian Bosma and other lawmakers, the Lafayette Journal & Courier reported.

Julie Griffith, Purdue's associate vice president for governmental relations, said university leaders won't push any bills in January because 2012 is a short legislative session and Bosma has indicated that passing a "right to work" law is the priority.

But Highley said a medical amnesty law could help young people who are abusing alcohol, and he hopes to see it gain traction.