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<\/a>Daniel Zolnikov<\/p><\/div>\n
The rationale behind this policy change is straightforward. When first enacted, MIP laws were intended to protect young people by discouraging them from using substances that can be dangerous if consumed irresponsibly. However, too often the threat of an MIP citation has caused young people to avoid seeking medical treatment, creating the opposite of a \u201cprotective\u201d situation.<\/p>\n
When the outcome of a law contradicts its purpose, it\u2019s time to update the law.<\/p>\n
Some legislators said we shouldn\u2019t pass this law. They said young people should make the right choice: get help, then \u201cman up\u201d and take the consequences. That argument ignores human nature.<\/p>\n
When scholarships to universities, reputations at school, and parental tempers are on the line, many young people take the possible risks of overdose over the definite consequences of receiving an MIP.<\/p>\n
One of the arguments in favor of MIP laws was that young brains aren\u2019t fully developed and able to handle alcohol. Yet some think those same underdeveloped brains are going to make the choice to get help when they are intoxicated and also fearful of the consequences? The deaths of too many young Montanans to alcohol and drug overdoses tragically show the lethality of that double-think.<\/p>\n
Fear of citations should not cause deaths in our state. The new medical immunity provision of Montana\u2019s MIP laws removes the barriers between young, intoxicated, fearful minds and the right decision.<\/p>\n
![\"CapreAir_Variable\"](\"http:\/\/lastbestnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/201703_capeair_variable.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>It does not give minors a free pass; they must proactively seek medical attention from law enforcement or directly from a healthcare facility. Medical immunity cannot be used as an excuse if law enforcement shows up at a party unexpectedly.<\/p>\n