Underage drinkers may be exempt from punishment in emergencies, under new legislation in Lansin.
The bill would allow underage drinkers to be exempt from punishment if they call 911 for medical attention for themselves or a friend.
Larry Burdick is the prosecutor for Isabella County. He says he thinks prosecutors are generally in favor of this bill.
"Certainly we would hope that an individual or a friend of an individual could see that medical attention was needed that whether they got ticket or not would not be foremost in their mind. But if that is their concern then the safety and health of the minor is a the most important thing and I think if they need medical treatment they need to get it without worrying about it."
Burdick says one concern prosecutors have is that minors could use this as a ruse to get out of tickets. He believes that would NOT be a common occurrence.
The bill passed unanimously in committee. It now goes to the full House for a vote.
