Legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini that establishes a “safe haven” from prosecution for minors who summon medical assistance for intoxicated underage persons as well as the person needing medical attention, moved another step closer to becoming law today following unanimous approval by the General Assembly.

“This legislation is a preventative measure designed to protect and preserve lives,” explained Angelini, R-Monmouth. “It isn’t about whether a minor should or shouldn’t be charged with violations of our state’s minimum drinking age laws. Nor does it condone underage drinking. Rather, it’s purpose is to remove barriers that would keep minors from seeking help for intoxicated friends.”

According to the latest statistics, about 8 out of 10 or 79.3% of high school students in New Jersey have consumed alcohol at some point in their short lifetimes. Nearly one-half or 46.5% have had one or more drinks of alcohol in the past 30 days.

Many of these underage drinkers consume alcohol in ways that are very dangerous and often result in serious medical issues such as alcohol overdoses. There are about 50,000 reported cases of alcohol poisoning each year with one fatality a week. In New Jersey, 27% of high school students engaged in binge drinking on one or more occasions in the past 30 days. Nearly half of high school seniors have done the same.

The bill, A-3160, which is known as “911” or “Lifeline Legislation,” stipulates that an underage person who summon medical assistance for an intoxicated underage person, as well as the person needing medical attention, are immune from prosecution for underage drinking.

Angelini, noting that youngsters between the ages of 12 and 20 often engage in binge drinking which can lead to alcohol poisoning, reiterated that the problem isn’t treating alcohol poisoning or overdoses - it’s getting youngsters to act when a friend or someone they know is experiencing symptoms. She cited two students, one a state resident and another who attended college in New Jersey who died from apparent alcohol poisoning, including:

•Brett Griffin, 18, a University of Delaware freshman from South Brunswick, N.J. who died November 8, 2008 of apparent alcohol poisoning after a fraternity party. He was discovered in cardiac arrest about 3 a.m. at an off-campus house where frat members were hosting a party.

•Rider University student Gary DeVercelly, 18, of Long Beach, Calif., a Rider University student who died on March 30, 2007 after a fraternity hazing. DeVercelly’s blood alcohol content was .426.

“Most fatalities occur because these young, inexperienced drinkers are afraid of getting themselves or their friends in trouble,” commented Angelini. “Instead of calling for medical help, they do nothing. Such inaction is often deadly, but this bill, when enacted into law, will provide us with an important preventative tool that hopefully will spare many families the unnecessary pain and anguish Mr. Griffin’s and Mr. DeVercelly’s families had to endure.”

State Senator Sean Kean, R-Monmouth, has sponsored the Senate version of the bill, S-2748.

“I am pleased to sponsor an identical version of Assemblywoman Angelini’s legislation in the Senate,” said Kean. “I strongly encourage my colleagues in the Senate to take immediate action on what I’m sure will be a life-saving measure.”

Angelini added that many college campuses around the nation have adopted similar programs known as “medical amnesty” policies with very encouraging results.

The bill now awaits Senate action.

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