Purdue student leaders look to expand Indiana's Lifeline law

Lobbying effort looks to update 2012 law, giving immunity to underage drinkers who need medical assistance, not just those who make a call to help. Plus, let’s keep adding to that BiL Holiday Playlist

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PURDUE STUDENT LEADERS LOOK TO EXPAND INDIANA LIFELINE LAW

Looking to replicate a campus-led push to create the Indiana Lifeline Law in 2012, Purdue’s student body president and vice president have organized a coalition of student leaders from other campuses to back a bill that would expand a law that protects callers from prosecution for underage drinking when reporting someone who needs medical help.

State Sen. Ron Alting, a Lafayette Republican, filed a bill Tuesday that would update the law’s protection from criminal prosecution to the person who needs medical attention, as well.

At least three similar efforts have failed since then-Gov. Mitch Daniels signed the Indiana Lifeline legislation into law.

Rebecca Siener, Purdue’s student body vice president, said the conversation started 18 months ago after gathering accounts from students who said they feared the legal repercussions and possible academic consequences of underage drinking more “than the potentially life-threatening condition of alcohol poisoning.”

“This fear is detrimental to the health and safety of our student body,” Siener said during a press conference Tuesday with student and state leaders at Purdue’s Pfendler Hall. “And we as a student body representatives will not allow this fear to persist.”

Jason Packard, Purdue student body president, Rebecca Diener, Purdue student body vice president, and State Treasurer Daniel Elliott discuss a bill to expand Indiana’s Lifeline Law on Monday at Purdue’s Pfendler Hall. (Photo: Dave Bangert)