911 Lifeline Legislation
911 Lifeline Legislation
- Referencing the map, each highlighted state has the 911 Lifeline legislation in place.
- Click on a state to view a summary of that states' laws.
- If you are in a state that does not support the 911 Lifeline legislation, please help make this life-saving change happen! Find Your Legislator
- If you are in a state that supports 911 Lifeline legislation, please help get the word out!
- The legislation is only effective if people know about it.
- Thanks for your support!
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Take Action!
- Referencing the map, each highlighted state has the 911 Lifeline legislation in place.
- Click on a state to view a summary of that states' laws.
- If you are in a state that does not support the 911 Lifeline legislation, please help make this life-saving change happen! Find Your Legislator
- If you are in a state that supports 911 Lifeline legislation, please help get the word out!
- The legislation is only effective if people know about it.
- Thanks for your support!
Texas
Passed in 2011
- provides limited immunity for possessing or consuming alcohol to a minor who calls 911 because someone is a possible victim of alcohol poisoning
- must be the first person to call for medical assistance
- must remain on the scene until medical assistance arrives
- must cooperate with EMS and law enforcement
- enhances penalty for providing alcohol to a minor at a gathering that involved binge drinking or coerced drinking a message from Sen. Kirk WatsonDownload Bill
Colorado
Passed in 2005
- provides immunity for underage persons and one to two others who are acting with the minor from criminal prosecution for illegal possession or consumption of alcohol by an underage person
- the underage person(s) must call 911 and reports that another underage person is in need of medical attention due to alcohol consumption
- the underage person(s) must provide their name and remain on the scene until assistance arrives
- the underage person(s) must cooperate with the medical assistance and law enforcement personnel on scene Download Bill
New Jersey
Passed in 2009
- provides immunity from prosecution for underage person and one or two other persons for possession/consumption of alcoholic beverages
- the minor who called 911 (and one or two other persons) must provide their name(s) to the 911 operator and must be the first person seeking help
- the minors must remain on the scene with the minor in need of medical assistance until assistance arrived and cooperated with medical assistance and law enforcement personnel on the scene
- the person in need of medical attention is also granted immunity from prosecution Download Bill
Utah
Passed in 2010
- persons under 21 who violated the alcohol possession or consumption law and report to law enforcement a person who is endangered by alcohol consumption, may be considered by the sentencing court for a migation of the sentence due to having reported the endangered person
- note : the minor must not also be involved in coercing or encouraging the endangered person to drink alcohol and the minor was not charged with any other criminal conduct during the incident Download Bill
North Dakota
Passed early 2011
- provides immunity from criminal prosecution for using alcohol or entering licensed premises
- must assist the victim, remain on the scene until authorities arrive and cooperate with authorities on the scene Download Bill
New York
Passed July 2011
- provides protection from underage drinking prosecutions for overdose sufferers or others seeking to help them Download Bill
Alaska
has drug immunity/needs alcohol immunity
- has drug immunity/needs alcohol immunity
Maryland
passed
- has drug immunity/needs alcohol immunity Download Bill
New Mexico
has drug immunity/needs alcohol immunity
- has drug immunity/needs alcohol immunity
Washington
Passed in 2013
- Passed in 2013 Download Bill
Indiana
Passed in 2012
- provides immunity from criminal prosecution for public intoxication, or for a minor possessing, consuming or transporting alcohol, to a person who requested emergency medical assistance for an individual who reasonably appeared in need of medical assistance due to alcohol consumption
- also provides immunity for a person who acted in concert with another person who requested emergency medical assistance
- must remain at the scene with the victim until emergency medical assistance arrives
- must cooperate with emergency medical assistance personnel and law enforcement officers at the scene Download Bill
Michigan
Passed in 2012
- Provides immunity from prosecution for purchasing, possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages for minors who meet the following criteria:
- A minor who had consumed alcohol and who voluntarily presents himself or herself to a health facility or agency for treatment or for observation.
- A minor who accompanies the person described above.
- A minor who initiates contact with a peace officer or emergency medical services personnel for the purpose of obtaining medical assistance for a legitimate health concern Download Bill
Pennsylvania
Passed in 2011
- Passed in 2011 Download Bill
California
Passed in 2010
- provides immunity from criminal prosecution for minor in possession, minor who purchases alcohol or minor who consumes alcohol in any on-sale premises
- the underage person must be the first person to make the 911 report
- the underage person who reported that another person was in need of medical assistance must remain on the scene with the other person until medical assistance arrives
Download Bill
Oklahoma
Passed in 2013
- Passed in 2013 Download Bill
Minnesota
Passed in 2013
- Passed in 2013
Illinois
Passed
New Hampshire
Legislation Pending
- Legislation Pending
Wisconsin
Legislation Pending
- Legislation Pending
Hawaii
Passed
- Legislation Pending
Kentucky
Passed in 2013
- Passed in 2013 Download Bill
North Carolina
- Passed in 2013 Download Bill
Delaware
Passed in 2013
- Passed in 2013
Vermont
Passed in 2013
- Passed in 2013 Download Bill
Oregon
Passed in 2014
- Passed in 2014 Download Bill
Georgia
Passed in 2014
- Passed in 2014 Download Bill
Louisiana
Passed in 2014
- Passed in 2014 Download Bill
Montana
Passed in 2015
- Passed in 2015
Arkansas
Passed in 2015
- Passed in 2015
Virginia
Passed in 2015
- Passed in 2015
West Virginia
Passed in 2015
- Passed in 2015
Nebraska
Passed in 2015
- Passed in 2015
Idaho
Passed
- Passed
Nevada
Passed
- Passed
South Dakota
Passed
- Passed
Kansas
Passed
- Passed
Missouri
Passed
- Passed
Alabama
Passed
- Passed
South Carolina
Passed
- Passed
Maine
Passed
- Passed
Massachusetts
Pending
- Passed
Florida
Pending
- Passed
Mississippi
Pending
- Passed
Rhode Island
Pending
- Passed
Many teens refrain from asking for help for fear of the consequences of underage drinking violations. Sadly, the decision not to call for help needed in this life or death situation can be fatal. With the help of Senator Kirk Watson, Texas passed its version of the 911 Lifeline Legislation in 2011. This law provides limited immunity for underage individuals who seek assistance or help from law enforcement or emergency services in response to an alcohol-related emergency situation.
Listen to Senator Watson’s testimony to learn more about the details of this very important law. Aware Awake Alive wholeheartedly supports 911 Lifeline Legislation throughout the United States.
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