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 in Texas. 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 for age verification. It specifies that if the electronic scanning is not possible, the information can be manually entered. However, this requirement does not apply to certain sales, such as those made on the premises of specific permit holders or during temporary events.

Additionally, the bill provides protections for permit or license holders against disciplinary actions for failing to access electronically readable information due to internet connectivity issues, as long as they visually inspect the identification. 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 comply with the new requirements. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is tasked with adopting 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)