A ceremonial signing of Indiana’s Lifeline Law was held Friday at the Statehouse. Senate Enrolled Act 274 provides legal immunity from prosecution for those who seek medical attention for an intoxicated person. College and university students from Purdue University, Indiana University and other campuses had advocated in favor of the Lifeline Law to encourage prompt first response for medical emergencies and to prevent alcohol-related deaths.

Attorney General Greg Zoeller congratulated the students for their efforts.

“It’s an encouraging sign for democracy that students identified an issue in their community, gathered evidence, approached their elected representatives and professionally made the case for rewriting state law,” Zoeller said. “Their persistence paid off, students’ voices were heard, and their efforts to address this problem in a medical setting have resulted in a new law that could save lives if young people make mistakes with alcohol.”

Gov. Mitch Daniels officially signed the legislation March 16. The new law is effective July 1.