A recently-passed state law aims to protect minors from the legal ramifications of summoning help for a friend under the influence.
Republican State Senator Jim Merritt co-authored the Indiana Lifeline Law, which prevents minors from being arrested for crimes like minor possession or consumption when calling for help for a friend who may be dangerously intoxicated to the point of alcohol poisoning. He explained that it’s a reality that kids in college towns and in high schools drink illegally, and it’s not uncommon that one or more of them drink excessively – to the point of becoming nearly comatose. He added that because they are so young, these kids panic and refuse to call 911 because they don’t want to get in trouble.
