Pa. Senate Passes Bill Aimed At Saving The Lives Of Underage Drinkers

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - The Pennsylvania Senate has passed and sent to the House a bill designed to save the lives of minors involved in excess drinking.

It's being billed as a "Good Samaritan" measure. Sponsored by suburban Philadelphia Republican John Rafferty, the measure passed by the Senate would give immunity from underage drinking charges to a minor who is the first person to call 911, gives his or her name, and remains with another person who needs medical attention.

"This bill came about through research on deaths – primarily on college campuses but also at teen parties where underage drinking is involved – where someone has passed out because of consuming too much alcohol. And they've taken them back to the dorm and just laid him in the bed and left him there, and unfortunately, they've choked and have passed," said Rafferty.

Rafferty acknowledges, however, that while a minor who calls 911 and remains with the distressed person would be off the hook for underage drinking, they could face other charges that might apply, such as supplying alcohol to minors.

The bill now goes to the state House.

Reported by Tony Romeo reports, KYW Newsradio