Alcohol amnesty law not in effect until July

MUNSTER, Ind. (AP) - Those younger than 21 drinking alcohol during this year's prom and graduation season won't have protection yet under a new Indiana law meant to encourage them to seek out medical help for those who are dangerously intoxicated.

The new law approved by legislators in March takes effect July 1. It will shield people from arrest on public intoxication or underage drinking charges if they act to get help for someone facing an alcohol-related emergency.

Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council David Powell tells The Times of Munster ( http://bit.ly/JpG9yr ) that county prosecutors have the discretion until July to decide whether to file criminal charges in such cases.

State Sen. Jim Merritt of Indianapolis says he hopes anyone would seek help for those needing it until the new law he sponsored takes effect.