| Washington State House of Representatives |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Transportation Committee | |
HB 1819
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Concerning furnishing liquor to minors.
Sponsors: Representatives Lovick, Strow, Ericks, Armstrong, Springer, Newhouse, Kenney, O'Brien, Goodman, Morrell and Moeller.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 3/15/07
Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).
Background:
Under RCW 66.44.270(1), it is against the law for anyone to supply liquor, by sale, gift, or
otherwise, to a person under the age of 21. It is also against the law for any person to let a person
under the age of 21 consume liquor on any premises under that person's control. Premises is
defined under the law to include real property, houses, buildings, other structures, motor
vehicles, and watercraft.
There are exceptions to RCW 66.44.270(1) for: (1) parents or guardians where the liquor is
consumed in the presence of the parent or guardian; (2) liquor given for medicinal purposes; (3)
liquor given in connection with religious services; and (4) employees of grocery or liquor stores
over the age of eighteen only in order to handle, sell, or stock beer or wine.
A violation of RCW 66.44.270(1) is a gross misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to a year in
jail and up to a $5,000 fine.
Summary of Bill:
All courts are required to notify the Department of Licensing within 24 hours after entry of a
judgment for a violation RCW 66.44.270(1). Upon receipt of the notice of a conviction under
RCW 66.44.270(1), the Department of Licensing is required to suspend the convicted person's
driver's license for 30 days for the first offense and 180 days for each subsequent offense.
A person who has his or her license suspended for providing liquor to a minor is eligible for
receiving a restricted driver's license, and is not required to install an ignition interlock device,
which is required in the context of other alcohol-related license suspensions or revocations.
A further exception to the requirements of RCW 66.44.270(1) is also created for a person
licensed to sell or dispense liquor who gives liquor to a minor while acting within the scope of
his or her license.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on March 15, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.