Members of ASUI have a lot on their plate this semester based on what they hope to accomplish.
While the Idaho legislature is in session, ASUI lobbyist Nate Fisher will represent the University of Idaho student body while working with legislators. He will also attempt to push a bill through the legislature that would grant statewide medical amnesty.
In October, ASUI passed a resolution that sent Fisher to lobby for a state law to remove or limit minor consumption and possession citations when medical care is needed. Basically, the law would prevent someone from getting in trouble for underage drinking if they need medical help for themselves or a friend.
This bill is a positive thing. ASUI is still in the process of forming an official bill, but it needs the support of UI students.
The university amended its Student Code of Conduct to include medical amnesty coverage, but the state law does not exclude minors from prosecution, even though it should.
Having a medical amnesty law won”t encourage underage drinking. It will save the lives of young people by making the decision to call for help an easy one.
No one body is the same, which means every individual reacts to various substances in different ways. While a few drinks might cause one person to barely feel buzzed, the same amount of alcohol could get another person completely drunk.
With the binge-drinking culture and lack of knowledge many new students have about alcohol, the college party environment is one in which alcohol poisoning isn”t an uncommon occurrence.
Imagine an underage student shows signs of alcohol poisoning after a party off campus. As it stands now, students who are under 21 may fear seeking out the police or paramedics because they could get in trouble for being an intoxicated minor. Instead of pursuing professional help, underage students look for other ways to help their friend, which is never the safest option in that type of situation.
When a minor is in situations like these, deciding to call 911 is harder than it should be. Eliminating the fear of legal repercussions will save lives.
Students in support of a medical amnesty law should make their voices heard, especially to Idaho legislators. Over half the states in the U.S. have a medical amnesty bill and it”s important for Idaho to join the list.
Even if ASUI is unable to develop and push the bill through the legislature, their attempt is admirable. Formulating a bill for an issue students voiced their support for through ASUI President Max Cowan”s poll takes their responsibilities as student representatives one step further.
The medical amnesty law is one students should continue to lobby for if it doesn”t pass the legislature this year. Seeking medical treatment and saving lives is more important than placing citations on underage drinking.
– KH