Bill > SB650

This bill, known as the Deshawn Jagwan Act, requires retailers selling alcoholic beverages to visually inspect and electronically scan or manually enter information from a driver's license, commercial driver's license, or identification certificate to verify a purchaser's age. The bill mandates this verification for retail sales of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption, with several specific exceptions, such as sales at certain permitted venues like wineries, breweries, and restaurants. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is prohibited from taking disciplinary action against permit or license holders if they cannot access electronic information due to connectivity issues, provided they visually inspect the ID. The bill also provides a defense to prosecution for failing to electronically verify age if there are technical issues or if the purchaser is 40 years or older. Permit holders are protected from disciplinary action for selling to a minor if they electronically accessed a valid ID that indicates the purchaser is 21 or older. The bill requires the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to adopt implementing rules by September 1, 2027, and will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB650