HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 3341        FILED ON: 1/14/2009

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 1277

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the Year Two Thousand Nine

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An Act relative to underage alcohol consumption..

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

Section 1: Chapter 138, Section 34C of the General Laws is hereby amended in the first line by inserting the following after the phrase after “ … any alcohol or alcoholic beverages …”

or who demonstrates a visible and discernible level of intoxication to a law enforcement official that is detrimental to the to the general welfare and a threat to public safety,

Section 2: Chapter 138, Section 34C of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking the following sentence “…  by a fine of not more than fifty dollars for the first offense and not more than one hundred and fifty dollars for a second or subsequent offense” and inserting thereof in its place, the following –

For the first offense a fine of not less than $250 and enrollment in a youth oriented education program for alcohol abuse.

For the second offense a fine of not less than $500 and a suspension of driving privileges and licenses for a period of ninety days if applicable. In the event of a minor operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, a letter from the arresting police department to the automotive insurance carrier of said individual informing them of the offense

Section 3: This act shall take effect upon passage.