Rep. Klarides-Ditria Testifies in Support of “Medical Amnesty” Bill

State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (R-105) today testified before the Judiciary Committee in support of proposed “medical amnesty” legislation that would eliminate the criminal penalty for a minor in possession of alcohol under certain circumstances.

After students from Lauralton Hall School’s Youth and Government Program brought it to her attention, Rep. Klarides-Ditria proposed the initial concept this session with HB 5023. Now raised and moving forward as a Committee bill, Senate Bill 919: An Act Concerning Immunity from Criminal Prosecution for a Minor who Possesses Alcohol When the Minor Seeks Emergency Assistance to Prevent the Death or Serious Injury of Another Person will provide immunity from arrest for possession of alcohol by a minor when a person under twenty-one years of age seeks medical assistance for possible alcohol poisoning, provided such person is the first to call for assistance, remains at the scene of the incident and cooperates with law enforcement and medical personnel.

“By removing the criminal penalty for a youth in possession of alcohol under certain circumstances we’re providing an opportunity to increase safety and allow children to take responsibility for their actions. Fear of a ticket should not be a factor when it comes to doing the right thing,” Rep. Klarides-Ditria said.  “This legislation lets children know that getting help in an emergency is, and should always be, the priority, and that we are less concerned with penalizing their bad decisions. By using compassion and understanding we can encourage people to do the right thing.”

Medical amnesty is similar to Good Samaritan laws already in place across the country, including Connecticut. However, this legislation creates a specific limited exemption from prosecution for minors who report people in need of immediate medical attention.

Connecticut is one of a handful of states without some form of medical amnesty policy. The Medical Amnesty Initiative reports that “a Cornell University study concluded that while 19% of college students reported that help probably should have been called for a highly intoxicated individual they were with, only 4% actually made the call.”