This act encourages responsibility and safety among drinkers.

On a college campus, this bill could save numerous lives and would no longer worsen the predicament of having to decide whether or not to call for help when someone is in need of dire medical attention due to alcohol-related issues. This bill prioritizes saving lives over getting in trouble for underage drinking, and it’s nice to see adult lawmakers looking at the issue and supporting this new law.

Last month, a version of the bill passed in the House of Representatives by a 105-4 vote. Now the bill is being sent back to the House to be reconsidered after the Senate amended parts of it to include victims of sexual assault who have consumed alcohol. This change was made so victims are not discouraged from reporting the assault for fear of being charged as a minor in possession.

This amendment shows the bill is progressing, including different types of medical incidences involving alcohol. Sexual assault can result in very harmful psychological and physical effects for victims, and this amendment moves past the victim-blaming often associated with sexual assault. Assailants often argue assaults occur because victims are too drunk to say no, but this amendment gives victims the chance to report the incident right away. The new amendment will allow for a more timely, and hopefully accurate, collection of evidence for police.

Opponents of the bill say students will use the protections produced by medical amnesty as an excuse to make poorer and poorer decisions. But the high hospital costs associated with medical visits are only one factor that will deter students from getting intoxicated to such an extent they need medical attention. Additionally, nobody drinks with the intention of being put in the hospital, and this bill shows that lives are worth more than minors taking an illegal action too far.

It is not justifying their actions, but rather protecting them from harm.

It also is encouraging to see the tenacity put forth by ASMSU, MSU’s undergraduate student government, in advocating to get this bill passed. In the long process of getting this bill turned into a law, which has included it being voted down, students from ASMSU have worked to rally support for this bill, including testifying before state legislators in order to foster endorsements. It’s not only impressive to see ASMSU make such a profound impact on the state Legislature, but also that they have the motivation to continue to fight for the bill.

Although this bill has been shown to have widespread support in Michigan’s Legislature, the bill still must pass the House of Representatives with the criminal sexual conduct amendments and be signed by Gov. Rick Snyder. If this bill passes, it will be a necessary step toward putting the lives of students above writing a ticket.