ASU senators announced their support for the “responsible reporting program,” previously known as the “EMTs without MICs” movement, which would allow for minors to call for 911 emergency services without risk of being cited for underage consumption.
Their support for Arizona Senate Bill 1190 would provide “immunity from prosecution for certain offenses for persons under the legal drinking age who request medical or law enforcement assistance,” according to the senate legislation.
USGD’s resolution does not encourage “underage drinking, nor does it condone unsafe drinking such as drinking in excess.”
“It’s important to understand that USGD doesn’t support underage drinking,” said Senator Ernesto Hernandez of the College of Public Service and Community Solutions. “We don’t support it. We aren’t ok with it, but our priority is that we need students to be safe.”
Senator Maryann Hoang, of the College of Nursing and Health Innovation, introduced the legislation, mentioning that the senate will likely address opposition concerns once SB 1190 comes back to the legislature in January. One concern is that the bill is encouraging minors to partake in underage drinking.
“They aren’t just getting off scot-free. They still have to take a diversion,” Hoang said. “It’s just protecting them so that they are not afraid to call for help and won’t leave someone in a situation where something bad could really happen.”
Hoang also clarified the immunity presented by this bill requires the caller to remain at the scene of the incident. The entire concept is predicated on involved students cooperating with police and EMTs.
USGD intern Rilee Robinson was involved in writing the resolution and said she was inspired by the momentum that SB 1190 has been gathering.
“It’s just giving support for the EMT without MIC bill that congress had last session,” Robinson said.
The University of Arizona has also expressed student support of this movement, which Robinson sees as an optimistic sign.
“I think it has a pretty good chance of passing in state legislature,” Robinson said.
Contact the reporter at csmannin@asu.edu.
