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TRENTON � Legislation sponsored by Senator John A. Girgenti to grant legal amnesty for underage drinkers who call for help in an alcohol-related medical emergency was unanimously approved today by the full Senate.

�Minors faced with a medical emergency stemming from excessive drinking often don�t call for help,� said Senator Girgenti, D-Bergen and Passaic and Chairman of the Senate Law, Public Safety and Veterans� Affairs Committee. �They hesitate because calling an ambulance may lead to charges for alcohol use or possession. This legislation is intended to solve this problem by exempting minors who call 9-1-1 in a medical emergency from prosecution under the State�s underage drinking laws.�

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator John A. Girgenti to grant legal amnesty for underage drinkers who call for help in an alcohol-related medical emergency was unanimously approved today by the Senate Law, Public Safety and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

“Minors faced with a medical emergency stemming from excessive drinking often don’t call for help,” said Senator Girgenti, D-Bergen and Passaic and Chairman of the Senate Law, Public Safety and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “They hesitate because calling an ambulance may lead to charges for alcohol use or possession. This legislation is intended to solve this problem by exempting minors who call 9-1-1 in a medical emergency from prosecution under the State’s underage drinking laws.”