Signed by Governor Bruce Rauner

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that establishes immunity from underage drinking charges for an individual who requests medical assistance due to alcohol consumption.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a law enforcement officer from charging or taking an individual into custody who is under 21 years of age for the possession or consumption of alcohol if the officer “reasonably” believes that all of the following circumstances apply (Sec. 5):
• The individual requested medical assistance for an individual who appears to need medical assistance due to alcohol consumption; 
• The individual provided his or her full name and any other information requested by the officer;
• The individual remained at the scene with the individual who appears to need medical assistance until emergency medical personnel arrived; and
• The individual cooperated with emergency medical personnel and officers at the scene.
• Specifies that the provisions of this bill do not apply to more than 3 individuals acting in concert for a single occurrence (Sec. 5).
• Prohibits an individual from taking action against a law enforcement officer based on the officer’s compliance or noncompliance with the provisions of this bill (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes immunity from underage drinking charges for an individual who requests medical assistance due to alcohol consumption.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a law enforcement officer from charging or taking into custody an individual suspected of underage drinking if the officer “reasonably” believes that the following circumstances apply (Sec. 5):
• The individual requested, or acted in concert with an individual who requested, medical assistance for an individual in need of medical attention due to alcohol consumption;
• The individual provided any relevant information requested by the officer;
• The individual remained at the scene with the individual in need of medical attention until emergency medical assistance personnel arrived; and
• The individual cooperated with emergency medical assistance personnel and law enforcement officers at the scene.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill do not apply to more than 3 individuals acting in concert for a single occurrence (Sec. 5).

• Prohibits an individual from taking action against a law enforcement officer based on the officer’s compliance or noncompliance with the provisions of this bill (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text