Mom credits students for Brady’s Bill, which targets underage drinkers

Kim Caipa doesn’t feel comfortable taking credit for a new Nevada law that could save the lives of high school and college students.

The real work, she said, was accomplished by young people, some of whom had never her met her son, Brady.

“That’s what I find so inspiring,” Kim Caipa said Saturday after learning Gov. Brian Sandoval signed Senate Bill 464, which was sponsored by the Nevada Youth Legislature.

Under the new law, anyone age 21 or under who calls for emergency medical help if they or a friend are intoxicated and need assistance will be exempt from prosecution on alcohol charges.

The bill was called “Brady’s Bill” in memory of Brady Caipa. The 17-year-old senior at Bishop Gorman High School died in 2011 from asphyxia and acute alcohol intoxication after attending a teen party.

Rose Asaf, 18, a senior at Gorman and a member of the Nevada Youth Legislature, wrote the legislation and testified in support of the bill. She came to Gorman after Caipa’s death, but heard the story of his passing.

Two years ago, she applied to be in the Nevada Youth Legislature and wrote an essay focusing on why medical amnesty legislation was an important issue. Asaf said the goal was to encourage more young people to reach out for help and try to prevent premature death by alcohol poisoning.

During testimony in front of a legislative committee, proponents said the bill would alleviate fears of underage students that they could lose scholarships or other career opportunities if they are cited for the misdemeanor offense of consuming or possessing alcohol.

“It feels very good to know that through the Legislature and with the help of Mrs. Caipa, we were able to play a role in creating something that will save lives,” said Asaf, who will attend New York University in the fall.

She said teenage drinking “is a problem that isn’t going away.” However, the bill gives “young people the ability to look out for their friends.”

Kim Caipa, an elementary school teacher in Las Vegas, also testified in front of legislators and did several media interviews to promote the bill. But she wanted the focus to be on the students. She didn’t know about SB464 until Asaf told her when it was one of two bills being considered by the Nevada Youth Legislature.

“I’m a mixed bag of emotions,” she said. “It’s not an easy thing to go back and relive all that. But knowing Brady’s story can make a difference, that was important.”

When the bill was hung up in the Legislature in early May, many students, including her son’s friends who are now in college across the U.S., took to social media and launched an email campaign to keep the measure alive.

Several students pointed out that medical amnesty law exists in other states.

During legislative testimony, a study of Cornell University’s campus medical amnesty program showed that in the second year, the number of students seen by health center staff after an alcohol-related emergency more than doubled.

Kim Caipa said the support of the Metropolitan Police Department for the bill helped it reach the governor.

Sandoval praised the Nevada Youth Legislature with bringing the bill forward.

“I am confident this legislation will help prevent future tragedy and save young lives,” Sandoval said. “Nevada’s young men and women should never think twice before making the responsible decision to seek medical assistance when a friend is in trouble.”

The Senate unanimously approved the bill on a 21-0 vote in April. The Assembly approved it 34-8 on May 22.

Kim Caipa said the timing of the law going in effect was important. High school graduation events will be taking place throughout June. She has two children who were older than Brady and one who is younger.

“Brady was a great kid and I know if this could happen to us, it could happen to anyone,” Kim Caipa said. “I know this law will make a difference.”

Contact Howard Stutz at hstutz@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3871. Find him on Twitter: @howardstutz.