SACRAMENTO – The California Assembly today overwhelmingly endorsed legislation aimed at saving teen lives.  AB 1999, authored by Assemblymember Anthony Portantino (D- La Cañada Flintridge), was approved on a bi-partisan vote of  74 to 3.  The bill encourages teens to seek emergency help for underage drinkers by offering limited immunity from prosecution.

“Let me be clear, this bill does not condone underage drinking,” testified Assemblymember Portantino. “What it does is make it easier for young people to call for help when they suspect alcohol poisoning.  As the father of a teenage girl, I am pleased that this bill could provide help to her or someone else’s daughter or son who needs emergency medical treatment.”

There have been several incidents of young Californians who have died due to suspected alcohol poisoning in recent years. Friends of the victims have said that they were too scared to call for help.  AB 1999 would change that by offering limited immunity for one or two young people who call ‘911’ and stay with the underage drinker until help arrives.  The bill is modeled after similar legislation in Colorado, New Jersey and Texas.

Research done at Cornell University has shown that “911 Immunity” policies really do work. When the school instituted a medical amnesty plan for drunken students, calls for emergency medical help went up 22% and an overwhelming number of students (61%) said they felt less scared to call for help for a friend in trouble.

“This bill sends a message that if you do the right thing by helping a friend in distress you will not be punished,” added Portantino. “It provides a safe way for teens who are in trouble to reach out for help.”

AB 1999 has enjoyed bipartisan support in the Assembly. It is also supported by the Peace Officers Research Association of California, La Cañada High School PTSA, the California Public Defenders Association and the Emergency Medical Services Administrators’ Association of California.