Rivers McGraw Act will allow people under the age of 21, who were arrested for a DUI or related charge, to be released on bail under certain circumstances.
House Bill 1089 will be signed by Gov. Phil Bryant on Tuesday at 4:15 inside the Capitol.
The bill was originally written to require young people arrested on DUI or substance abuse charges to contact their parent or guardian upon arrest. It was later revised to only require law enforcement to notify that person that they have the right to contact their parent. It will also require that information about drug diversion programs, like drug court, be shared with the individual.
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The bill would provide immunity to underage persons that complete their mental health duties.
“I think it is a better bill today than it was when we started out,” said Rep. Andy Gipson, author of the bill.
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Other revisions were added in honor of Rivers McGraw, an Ole Miss student who committed suicide after being arrested for his second DUI. The Mental Health Diversion Pilot Project for Mississippi that will provide additional resources and options for young people who are struggling with alcohol and substance abuse issues.
“I’m very glad to know that the Governor is going to sign Rivers McGraw Act into law,” said Gipson.
