SRC-SLL H.B. 1233 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1233 By: Kubiak (Gallegos) Criminal Justice 5-1-97 Engrossed DIGEST The use of alcohol by minors is an increasing problem. To obtain alcohol, a minor may have someone over the age of 21 purchase the alcohol for the minor. The current penalty for purchasing alcohol for a minor is a fine between $100 and $500. It is hoped that by increasing the penalty, the purchaser will be less willing to purchase the alcohol for those under the legal drinking age. This bill will increase the penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor to a Class B misdemeanor. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1233 increases the penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor to a Class B misdemeanor. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 106.06(c), Alcoholic Beverage Code, to provide that a violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor, rather than a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.