WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller today congratulated students from Purdue University and other campuses who worked successfully to get the Indiana Lifeline Law passed in the Legislature. Zoeller supported the Indiana Lifeline Law, which provides legal immunity from prosecution for those who seek medical attention for an intoxicated person. Having passed unanimously in the Indiana Senate today, the bill goes next to the Governor’s desk .

“It's very impressive to see university students come to the Statehouse and make the case to legislators for the Indiana Lifeline Law. Their persistence paid off, so students’ voices were heard; and they deserve much of the credit for this legislation that could save lives if young people make mistakes with alcohol,” Zoeller said.

Out of concern that underage drinkers might not seek help for an intoxicated person in medical distress out of fear of being arrested themselves, college students from Purdue University, Indiana University and other campuses proposed the Indiana Lifeline Law. Intended to encourage prompt first response for medical emergencies and prevent alcohol-related deaths, the lifeline law creates legal immunity for the person who calls emergency services – meaning the prosecutor would not file criminal charges against those who request help for an intoxicated friend. 

The legislation, Senate Bill 274, passed the Indiana Senate 50-0 on January 24, then passed in a slightly different version in the Indiana House 96-0 on February 14, then went back to the Senate for a final concurrence vote. The vote of 47-0 today means the bill has cleared its final hurdle and passed the Legislature, and needs only the Governor’s signature to become law.

Once signed, it will take effect July 1.

"By making the case that this problem should be dealth with not just in a law enforcement setting but in a medical setting, the university students gained valuable experience in the legislative process and we commend them for their efforts," Zoeller said. 

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