Purdue students urge state alcohol amnesty law

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Students at Purdue University and two other colleges want Indiana to enact a law that shields underage drinkers from disciplinary action if they report that someone is intoxicated and at serious health risk.

The legislation envisioned would be modeled on a "medical amnesty" policy that took effect in September at Purdue. The PurdueCARES plan protects students from school discipline for illegally drinking alcohol if they seek medical attention while they or someone they help is drunk.

Purdue Student Government President Brad Highley tells the Journal & Courier (http://on.jconline.com/tuBSU5 ) a statewide policy could help everyone under age 21.

The students have met with Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma, but it's not clear if their efforts will gain traction in the short legislative session.