Divorce Attorneys
Tougher punishment for minors drinking alcohol endorsed
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Minors arrested for possessing alcohol could have their driver’s license suspended, under a bill approved by the House on Friday. Measures requiring a couple seeking a divorce to inform the court if they had a covenant marriage, and the governor to notify more people when recommending clemency for inmates, also were approved. Friday ended the ninth week of the 85th General Assembly. Earlier this week the House and Senate each approved House Concurrent Resolution 1016, which extends the session to April 15. The resolution also allows the House speaker and Senate President Pro Tempore to reconvene the Legislature before noon on May 13 to consider vetoes, correct errors or oversights and to adjourn the session. Friday morning, the House debated extensively on House Bill 1768 by Rep. Johnny Key, R-Mountain Home, which toughens the penalties for minors arrested for alcohol possession, before approving it 55-28. The measure now goes to the Senate. Under the bill, anyone under 21 could lose their driver’s license if caught by police with alcohol. The suspensions include 60 days for a first offense, 120 days for a second offense and a year for a third offense. The law also allows the licenses to be taken from the minors at the time of their arrest. Currently, minors face fines of $100 to $500. Key said they fines would continue under HB 1768. “Taking the driver’s license gets the attention of young people,” Key said, adding law enforcement in Baxter County suggested the measure after three youths died in alcohol-related car wrecks last year. Reps. Denny Sumpter, D-West Memphis, and Jay Bradford, D-White Hall, both said the bill was too broad, and minors possessing alcohol is already illegal. Bradford questioned whether it was right to take the driver’s license away from someone 18, 19 or 20 years old because they had been drinking a beer, and yet those same people can be sent to war. “I understand you’re trying to get these young kids, 15, 16 years old … I admire you for that,” Bradford said. “But do you think it’s fair, for someone over 18 years old who might be at an outdoor party on a sand bar to be charged and not be allowed to drive.” Key said it is already illegal for an 18-year-old to possess alcohol. He said his bill only enhances the penalty. Some lawmakers questioned whether students at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville who live in other states would have their licenses suspended. |
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