NJ weighs immunity for teen drinkers who seek help

By Eli Segall, Associated Press

"Daniel Meth was at a house party when his close friend, who was drunk, yelled something and stumbled into his bedroom. Meth figured he should go to sleep, so he gave him a bottle of water, helped him lie down and took off his shoes. ... Even though Meth knew something was wrong the night of the northern New Jersey party, he never called for help, fearing he'd get caught for underage drinking. ..."

"Meth testified before a state Senate committee Monday to support a bill that could have shielded him from punishment had he called for help. The bill would grant immunity to anyone under 21 who's been drinking or illegally has alcohol if that person calls police when another underage person drinks too much and needs medical help. ..."

"The amnesty measure is similar to a law in New Mexico and to legislation being considered in at least eight other states, according to Matthew Gever, a policy analyst with the National Conference of State Legislatures in Washington. ..."

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