A bill that would alert parents if their child is under 21 and arrested for drugs and alcohol charges, has rallied students at the University of Mississippi.
On Thursday A group of students gathered at the Lyceum by the flagpole to encourage lawmakers and law enforcement to pass House Bill 1089.
The bill was named “Rivers Law” in memory of Rivers McGraw, an Ole Miss student who committed suicide after being arrested for his second DUI. It was introduced by Rep. Andy Gipson on behalf of Rivers’ mother, Lauren McGraw. She said she believes her son would still be alive today if she had been notified of the arrest.
Students stood behind the legislation, saying sometimes parents need to know what is going on.
For out of state student Rachel Culp she said if something like that happened to her her parents wouldn’t even know.
“A lot of times my parents don’t often know what is going on in my life and I think if I was to the point that I was getting DUI’s they need to be involved,” said Culp.
“Absolutely I think it’s a good law,” said Ole Miss student Katie Davis. “I think that it will help a lot of people that are in danger.”
One of Rivers’ good friends, John Bunten, said making sure parents are informed could prevent kids from doing something they regret after an arrest.
“Just being released from jail, you could still be drunk or high on drugs and at least it would inform your parents before you could act on your own,” said Bunten.
The bill passed the House unanimously, it will now be reviewed by the Senate.
