Bill > H1370

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program aimed at discouraging underage drinking by individuals under 21 years old and offering a non-criminal resolution for first-time offenders. Under this program, individuals under 21 charged with their first offense of specific alcohol-related laws (sections 34 through 34D) will have their cases treated as non-criminal matters, provided they did not cause personal injury or property damage. If they admit to the violation or are found responsible after a hearing, they will pay a $300 fine for each offense and be required to attend an approved alcohol awareness program, which includes classroom instruction, group discussion, and community service, with a focus on early detection and prevention of alcohol abuse. Failure to complete the program or pay the fine can result in a license suspension. Records of successful program completion will be maintained separately and used to identify repeat offenders, while fines collected will partially fund grants for public school alcohol prevention programs. The program will be evaluated for its effectiveness, and a report will be submitted to the legislature to determine if it should be extended.