Lawmaker Hopes Bill Encourages Underage Drinkers to Report Alcohol Poisoning

02.08.2010 by Jeff Robinson

Representative Christine Johnson

(KCPW News) A state lawmaker is hoping to encourage teens involved in underage drinking to seek help when someone is suffering from alcohol poisoning.  Under Representative Christine Johnson’s bill, if a person under 21 calls the police when someone needs medical attention, a judge must consider that action when that person is sentenced for underage drinking, possibly resulting in a more lenient sentence.  Johnson said her legislation is inspired by the case of Michael Starks, a Utah State University student who died after alcohol-related hazing.

“The other people who were not responsible for the hazing but who were participants and who were witnesses dialogued amongst themselves that they were very concerned about what the ramifications would be for their behavior,” she said today.

Johnson’s legislation would not apply to anyone who’s involved in coercing someone to drink alcohol.

Scott Reed with the Attorney General’s office testified in support of the bill.  He said it would send this message to young people who drink:

“They still have an obligation to perform a responsible act in the midst of irresponsible conduct,” said Reed.

Johnson’s bill won unanimous support from the House Judiciary Committee this morning, and now advances to the House floor.