SPRINGFIELD (AP) — The Illinois Legislature is considering a bill that would grant amnesty to underage drinkers who call 911 to get help.
Democratic state Rep. Scott Drury of Highwood is sponsoring the measure. It passed the House earlier this month and has been introduced in the Senate.
The Chicago Tribune reports that the bill would provide amnesty to the person in need of medical help and the person who called 911 on their behalf. The legislation would also grant police officers the discretion to determine whether amnesty is appropriate to the situation.
Drury says there is “a difference between being soft on crime and being smart on policy.”
Two dozen other states have enacted similar legislation.
The bill is HB1336.