Gov. Snyder Signs Bill Providing Medical Amnesty to Minors Seeking Alcohol Poisoning Treatment

Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation this week providing medical amnesty for minors who seek treatment for alcohol poisoning either for themselves or another individual.

House Bill 4393 is sponsored by state Rep. Anthony Forlini, R-Harrison Township. Currently, individuals under the age of 21 can receive a misdemeanor offense for the purchase, possession or consumption of alcohol, which sometimes deters minors from seeking proper medical attention, the governor said in a press release.

Although already an informal practice among law enforcement in many areas of the state, including medical amnesty in the law will encourage minors to seek assistance sooner if they or another appear to have consumed an unsafe amount. The bill now is Public Act 125.

“Ensuring the safety of our youth is a priority,” Snyder said. “Removing the fear of penalty when seeking emergency assistance can help save lives.”

The governor also signed Senate Bills 29, 30 and 93, which allow citizens with concealed pistol licenses and specialized training to carry a Taser as a nonlethal form of self-protection.

H.B. 4658, sponsored by Forlini, removes the sales tax exemption on prisoner-purchased items in correctional facilities. Prisoners should pay the same tax rate as other citizens, and the tax is expected to bring in about $300,000 per year to the state.