Alcoholic beverages: evidence of majority and identity.
Impact
If enacted, AB 3117 would impact the enforcement of laws regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors. Currently, it is a misdemeanor for individuals under 21 to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages, and businesses face legal repercussions if they are found selling to minors. By allowing digital identification as valid proof of age, the bill would streamline the verification process for businesses while potentially reducing the ability of underage persons to obtain alcohol through improved identity verification methods.
Summary
Assembly Bill 3117, introduced by Assembly Member Wilson, seeks to amend Section 25660 of the Business and Professions Code which pertains to alcoholic beverages. The bill aims to recognize mobile or digital driver's licenses and identification cards as bona fide evidence of majority and identity. This provision is particularly significant as it allows individuals to verify their age and identity digitally, provided such licenses are authorized by the Department of Motor Vehicles without the requirement of a physical card.
Contention
The bill is likely to generate discussions regarding the reliability and security of digital identification. Some stakeholders may express concerns over privacy issues and the potential misuse of digital IDs, while supporters might argue that the technological advancement can facilitate easier and faster age verification. While no notable opposition has been documented yet, as with any legislation pertaining to alcohol sales, the implications for public health and safety may prompt debate during the legislative process.
Criminal procedure: witnesses; confidentiality of certain information of a witness; require prosecuting attorney to maintain, and provide for disclosure in certain circumstances. Amends 1927 PA 175 (MCL 760.1 - 777.69) by adding sec. 40b to ch. VII.
A bill for an act relating to criminal law including defense subpoenas, depositions, conditional guilty pleas, prosecution witnesses who are minors, and juror qualifications, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 644.)
A bill for an act relating to criminal law including depositions, conditional guilty pleas, prosecution witnesses who are minors, and juror qualifications, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 156.) Effective date: Enactment, 05/26/2023, 07/01/2023.