Michigan Senate Approves Bill Reducing Penalty For Underage Drinkers

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Minors caught drinking alcohol for the first time in Michigan might soon have a lighter penalty after the state Senate passed a bill making it a civil infraction instead of a misdemeanor.

Under legislation approved Thursday, minors would be fined $100 on the first offense. The second offense is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days and a $200 fine. The third offense would suspend drivers' licenses for minors caught with alcohol, which already is the case. Penalties would increase to up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine for subsequent violations. At each offense, the judge would be able to order substance abuse treatment or community service.

Bill sponsor and Grand Ledge Republican Sen. Rick Jones says kids shouldn't be jailed for having a can of beer.

"During my time as a sheriff, I saw the terrible and often tragic effects of underage drinking," Jones said in a statement. "My bill is about smarter justice. It balances the need to deter young people from drinking with the understanding that students who make mistakes shouldn't end up with criminal records that follow them for the rest of their lives."

Republican Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker voted against the bill, saying it's against the law.

According to 2014 data, courts secured about 9,300 convictions for a first minor in possession charge that year. State police say there were about 40,000 related arrests from 2009 to 2013.

"The current Minor in Possession law is clogging up our courts, putting kids in jail and hurting the ability of some young people to get into college or get a job," Jones said. "This reform will ensure that every young person has one — and only one — chance to get their life in order and avoid a criminal record."

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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