Legislation sponsored by Senator Sean Kean would allow minors to call for medical assistance for intoxicated underage persons without being prosecuted has been approved by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.

“Recent statistics have shown that underage drinkers consume alcohol in risky ways that often lead to alcohol overdoses or other serious medical issues,” said Kean. “Protecting the well being of minors is our main priority and this legislation will help save lives.”

The Assembly version of the bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini, was released from the Assembly Law & Public Safety Committee this past March.

The bills, S-2748 and A-3160, referred to as “911” or “Lifeline” legislation, seek to ensure that an underage person would not be prosecuted as a disorderly person for seeking out medical treatment for an intoxicated minor.

“Unfortunately, there have been far too many instances where a young person has died as a result of their friends not seeking medical attention out of fear that they would be prosecuted for contacting the authorities,” said Angelini. “While we must work to prevent underage drinking, this bill aims to provide a safe haven for minors who find themselves in a dangerous situation.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, each year approximately 5,000 young people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking; this includes about 1,900 deaths from motor vehicle crashes, 1,600 as a result of homicides, 300 from suicide, as well as hundreds from other injuries such as falls, burns, and drownings. In New Jersey, 27% of high school student have engaged in binge drinking on one or more occasions in the past 30 days.

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