By Victoria Wicks
Underage drinkers could have incentive to stick around and help friends who are hurt or sick if a bill keeps moving forward in the South Dakota Legislature.
A Good Samaritan bill sponsored by Senator Larry Tidemann offers immunity to a minor who has consumed alcohol if that person is giving assistance in an emergency, stays on site, and cooperates with emergency personnel. Tidemann told the Senate Judiciary Committee that it’s a reality bill: young people make poor choices.
Committee chair Craig Tieszen, former Rapid City chief of police, supports the bill. He says he has heard from friends in law enforcement that the bill is unnecessary, because they already forego arresting an underage drinker who is helping to save someone who is in trouble.
“They’re using discretion. They are forgiving this offense. They’re doing the same thing that we’re contemplating doing here as a legislature. They’ve decided in their judgment to let somebody off. And that’s all we’re doing here… we are contemplating offering the same discretion that police officers say they use. And so how can that be such a bad thing?”
Opponents to the bill include associations for sheriffs, police chiefs, and state’s attorneys, who say the proposal promotes underage drinking.
The committee approved the bill with just one no vote. It now goes to the full Senate for debate.
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