Bill to crack down on underage alcohol parties passes Alabama House Committee

The Alabama House Judiciary Committee recently voted to give a favorable report for legislation to crack down on bad parents who allow their teens to host alcohol parties in their homes.

The bill would also give law enforcement the right to enter any home where he has a reasonable suspicion that a law is being violated. The parent would still be liable for the lawlessness at the residence even if they are not present at the event.

House Bill 419 (HB419) is sponsored by State Representative Reed Ingram (R-Montgomery).

Under existing law, an adult who has control of a residence and who has authorized an open house party at the residence and is in attendance at the party is prohibited from allowing the party to continue if the adult knows that alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs are being illegally consumed by persons under 21 years of age.

This bill would delete the requirement that the adult in control of the residence be in attendance at the party and would provide that a law enforcement officer, upon a call to the residence, may enter the premises based on a reasonable suspicion of a violation of law.

Underage alcohol and drug use remains a massive problem in Alabama and leads to chronic chemical dependency, lost workdays, lost potential, and lost lives.

This legislation (HB419) is now in position to be considered by the full Alabama House of Representatives.

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