S.B. No. 650, known as the Deshawn Jagwan Act, mandates the use of electronically readable information to verify a purchaser's age during the retail sale of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption. The bill amends Section 109.61 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code by adding several new subsections that require individuals to visually inspect and access electronically readable information on driver's licenses or identification certificates. It also allows for manual entry of information if electronic scanning is not possible. Certain exceptions are included, such as sales on the premises of specific permit holders and during temporary events at public entertainment facilities.

Additionally, the bill provides protections for permit or license holders against disciplinary actions for not accessing electronically readable information if the failure is due to internet connectivity issues, as long as they visually verify the purchaser's age. It also establishes that no disciplinary action will be taken for sales made before September 1, 2027, and outlines defenses against prosecution for failure to access the required information. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is required to adopt rules to implement these changes by September 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Alcoholic Beverage Code 109.61 (Alcoholic Beverage Code 109)
Senate Committee Report: Alcoholic Beverage Code 109.61 (Alcoholic Beverage Code 109)
Engrossed: Alcoholic Beverage Code 109.61 (Alcoholic Beverage Code 109)
House Committee Report: Alcoholic Beverage Code 109.61 (Alcoholic Beverage Code 109)
Enrolled: Alcoholic Beverage Code 109.61 (Alcoholic Beverage Code 109)