The bill amends existing laws regarding the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages by individuals under the age of 21. It establishes that any person under 21 who violates specific provisions related to alcohol possession will be guilty of a misdemeanor, with a penalty of a fine not exceeding $250. Additionally, the bill introduces a significant change by allowing for the expungement of criminal records for individuals under 21 who are convicted of these violations. This expungement will occur automatically six months after the conviction, provided the fine is paid, and the individual can state that the conviction did not occur in future inquiries.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that no conviction for these violations will be reported to law enforcement agencies, thereby protecting the individual's record. The provisions of this act will apply to convictions occurring on or after July 1, 2024, and the act itself will take effect on that same date. These changes aim to provide a more lenient approach to young individuals who may be caught in violation of alcohol laws, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12-6-101