Judiciary Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-919
AN ACT CONCERNING IMMUNITY FROM CRIMINAL PROSECUTION FOR A
MINOR WHO POSSESSES ALCOHOL WHEN THE MINOR SEEKS
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO PREVENT THE DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY
Title: OF ANOTHER PERSON.
Vote Date: 3/29/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 3/15/2021
File No.: 487
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, 105th Dist.
Rep. Craig C. Fishbein, 90th Dist.
Rep. Christine Conley, 40th Dist.
Rep. Joe Polletta, 68th Dist.
Rep. Jeff Currey, 11th Dist.
Rep. Whit Betts, 78th Dist.
Rep. Tom O'Dea, 125th Dist.
Sen. Saud Anwar, 3rd Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill provides immunity to minors in possession of alcohol when the minor contacts law
enforcement to prevent death or serious injury of another person. The bill is intended to
alleviate the risk of legal and collateral consequences for teenagers and young adults who
are illegally in possession of alcohol and fear the legal ramifications when deciding whether
to seek potentially life-saving emergency assistance for a peer. Providing immunity under
these conditions supports the goal of diverting minors and emerging adults from arrest and
court involvement, which results in reduced recidivism and better long-term outcomes for
youth.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
State of Connecticut, Division of Criminal Justice; supports this bill stating that the public will
be served best when minors do not hesitate or decline to call the authorities out of fear of
being charged with possession of alcohol as a minor.
Office of the Chief Public Defender, Director of Delinquency and Child Protection, Susan I.
Hamilton; supports this bill stating that providing immunity under these conditions reflects the
importance of protecting public health and safety while also supporting youth who take steps
to help another person who is endangered. It is also stated that this bill aligns with brain
science research adopted by the Supreme Courts of the United States and Connecticut alike
that recognizes the limitations of the adolescent brain and its impact on decision-making and
that this is common sense policy.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Connecticut General Assembly, State Representative, Nicole Klarides-Ditria; supports this bill
stating that this law will encourage youth to do the right thing. It is stated that teenagers are
not learning responsibility through fear; and they will only learn responsibility through
establishing confidence in routine action.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None stated.
Reported by: Rose Hirschl Date:
Page 2 of 2 SB-919


Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 30-89
JUD Joint Favorable: 30-89
File No. 487: 30-89
Public Act No. 21-142: 30-89