A campaign promise by former Student Government president Cole Staudt will not see fruition during this legislative cycle. 

The bill, targeted toward college-aged students to allow them medical amnesty specifically in underage drinking situations, passed unanimously through the Iowa Senate along with in House subcommittees, however, lobbying efforts by regent university leaders will have to continue into the next session. 

Staudt introduced the idea of medical amnesty while campaigning with now-Student Government President Cody West. 

As it currently stands, the bill would “provide immunity from certain criminal offenses and prohibiting certain disciplinary sanctions for persons who report, seek, or require emergency assistance for alcohol overdoses.” 

Staudt said that waiting until the next session will allow legislators and constituents time to digest the bill and that it will hopefully get passed early in the next cycle. 

He feels that they accomplished a lot with the legislation, as it can be uncommon for a bill to work through both chambers that started at nothing, not even as a study bill. 

And while he’ll be graduating and leaving Iowa, Staudt said he’ll keep a close eye on the legislation that will continue to be lobbied by West and his administration. 

Staudt has said previously that the bill is not about partisan politics but rather protecting students. 

“At the end of the day, we just want to help save lives,” he said. 

Hopefully too, Staudt said, opioid protection, which was originally removed from the bill ahead of its passing through the Senate, will be added into the bill again.